long-time underinflated Michelins = new tires?
 

Hello all,

I have had my 77 911s (with 3.0) about 9 months. When I got the car, the tires were low all the way around -- the lowest was an alarming 12 PSI. It had only been driven 100 miles in the previous year, and maybe 1,000 miles in the year before that. The rears are 3 years old. All tires have no wear and outwardly look new.

Could the tires have been damaged by long-time underinflation? Who knows the last time air was put into them before I got the car.

All tires are Michelin Pilot HGT, 205 55 16, on 6" & 7" 16-inch Fuchs.

Info and opinions greatly appreciated!

-Shelley

After sitting for 3 years I would just be worried about the rubber in the tires... My rule of thumb is when in doubt about tires, replace them, in the grand scheme of things it is cheap insurance.

Answer 1 (If you're looking far an excuse to buy new tires): Three years is enough on a set of tires. The steel belts have probably taken a set from sitting so long under-inflated.
Answer 2 (If you don't really want to buy new tires): Three year old tires are ok; 6 year old tires aren't. If the tires ride and corner ok, and there's no visible evidence of damage (like very fine cracks in the rubber), keep'em.

Marc and Jim,

Thanks for the answers! The tires really do look new (but as we know they are not!), and I feel they ride well, so I guess I'm looking to justify new ones. This is good ammunition -- I think it's better to be safe and spring for new rubber.

I have gotten into the habit of looking at people's tires when I walk past their cars -- many, many folks do not check their pressure on a regular basis it seems.

-Shelley