Old Tires

[flacc]

Now that the weather has cooled, I'm running around South Florida enjoying my new pagoda when it hits me[:0], I bought my car from Arizona where it has always lived, and in going through the previous owners records I discovered that the tires are about 10 years old!  There is no wear or rot evident...What is everyone's opinion on this?  I know tires are generally rated for only 6-8 years, but is that a hard and true rule?

christopher
1970 280sl
1985 300td wagon
1999 320 4matic wagon

[jstuart]

I don't know how "hard and fast" that rule is...but I would change them, if only for peace of mind.

Jay

1969 280SL

[Cees Klumper]

The Michelins on my car seemed in very good shape when I bought my car - then one year later, on the highway, one of the rear tires lost a very large patch of its surface! It did not cause a blow-out, but I replaced all tires that day. Maybe it was from standing too long in one place, maybe it was from drying out, the age of the tires was unknown. My current tires (Pirellis) are now 6 years old and I think I will replace them in another two, three maximum, even though they will not be worn out then.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Jonny B]

I would agree. I bought my car four years ago, and it had original style tires, with plenty of tread, but I could see the hazing/cracking/etc in the side wall. I replaced them two years ago. I think you are ready.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[rwmastel]

Buy new tires.  See my post today on the "flat tire" thread.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[scheutw]

Buy new! Your car will drive like new! I suggest period correct tires from Coker Tire in Chat. Tennessee.

1966 230SL
1997 E320

[Mike Hughes]

There have been plenty of discussions on this.  The bottom line is that you have 5 very beautiful and well-documented "may-pops" and would be wise to bite the bullet and replace them for your own safety and peace of mind.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[Raymond]

Avoid long high-speed runs and don't try finding the limits of cornering.  The tires are tired.  If you just want to parade the car, they'll probably be fine.  

If this is going to be a semi-daily driver, there are a lot of options for upgrades.  You live in the land of afternoon showers.  You might want to rate the wet-braking performance highly when doing your research.  TireRack.com is a good place to start.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe