Replacing Old Tires

The tires on my Dodge Caravan were manufactured in 2007, so they will be four year old tires soon. Since I drive my Corolla so often, and the Caravan so little, the tread is still very good on the Caravan tires.
However I remember a few years back when it was all over the news that tires can wear from age even if they aren't used, and some older tires would tear apart on vehicles being driven. They said you shouldn't purchase tires more than four years old.
So how critical will it be for me to replace my four year old tires even if they still have plenty of tread?

Thanks
CL8

This subject has been discussed before here at AF, but it is an interesting one and deserves revisiting.

First of all, tires do age. The rubber compound becomes harder and effectively less grippy over the years. This means that old tires has somewhat less traction. This is not an issue for normal driving, but it makes emergency manoevers somewhat more dangerous. Emergency stops will take more distance, and your can will not handle hard cornering as well.

Also, when tires get really old, (over 10 or 15 years) the rubber outer layer can start to crack. If it cracks enough, the outer layer, which has the tread might peel-off the carcass or body of the tire.

Finally, in my own experience, really old tires seem to be weaker, and cannot handle the heavy loads they could when they were new. When heavily loaded they might break an belt and go out-of-round, or might 'blow-out' with little warning.

But in your case, 4 year old tires are definitely not a hazard at all. IMO tire age only becomes an issue at 7-10 years. It is also important to occasionally examine your tires for other hazards, such as nails or debris imbedded in the tires, strage looking bulges and uneven wear, which may signify other safety problems.

Finally, tires will not all deteriorate at the same speed. A tire that is in storage in a dry, dark garage, and rarely used will age more slowly than one which is subject to sunlight, heat and daily driving. You can see this in many cars....... the 4 driving tires may look aged and cracked after many years of driving..... but the spare tire in the trunk looks as good as the day it was made.

I have a good example of this in my garage. I have a set of 13-year-old Cooper tires that have never been used, ever. They look perfect, no blemishes, and the rubber is as soft and pliable as a new tire. But my daily -driver car has 6-year-old Michelins that are getting pretty badly cracked and hard. Obviously the Cooper tires would be a safer choice to use, even through they are far older.

I did have tires in my Jeep that were 23 years old by the time I changed them They still worked okay, but were getting cracked. My brother's Jeep has 25 year old tires (rarely driven) that look and work like new. But this is an exceptional case. For most tires, imo 10 years is the upper limit.

BTW, a few years ago, 60 Minutes did a story on this issue. IMO they deliberatly sensationalized this issue, and exaggerated the hazard of older tires. They gave the impression that tires aged just as fast when new, in a dark warehouse as they do when driven in the summer sun (not true) and gave the false impression that tires were lethal ticking time bombs after 6 years.

Thanks MR!
How did you become so knowledgeable on tires?

I remember that documentary saying after four years tires are no good.

I am teaching another drivers Ed class the week after Christmas.
I hope you don't mind if I share your comments on tires with the class.

I think I will give you another rep point for that reply!

Your tires should be fine as long as you maintain them with the proper air pressure and use a protectant to prevent UV deterioration.

Also, try to move the vehicle every so often (once every month) so that the tires don't develop a flat spot. Alternatively, place jack stands underneath the vehicle to remove at least some of the weight from the tires. Place them such that the vehicle's suspension is still supporting the weight (under the front A-arms and rear axle versus the frame).

if tires are still got good tread on them and side walls aren't wether cracked i wouldn't worry about them. but yes move the van around every once in awhile or like he sais you could put it on jack stands. but do look at side walls for cracking.

Thanks Jdm and scrapper. Yes my van gets driven at least once a week, that is on Sundays to my Church!

Thanks MR!
How did you become so knowledgeable on tires?

I remember that documentary saying after four years tires are no good.

I am teaching another drivers Ed class the week after Christmas.
I hope you don't mind if I share your comments on tires with the class.

I think I will give you another rep point for that reply!

And remember to instruct your drivers ed students on where to find correct cold tire pressure. Hint: It's not on the tire sidewall! Only about 10% of the driving public knows this - and I'm being generous with that assessment.

^yes Ror!

It's posted on the inside of the door panel in my Toyota Corolla.

^yes Ror!

It's posted on the inside of the door panel in my Toyota Corolla.

I'm not concerned with your knowing that - it's the other 90% of the public - including even tire-shop techs - that I'm worried about! :rofl: :rofl: