The wife's Fabia, which was first registered in Jan 2003 is due for it's annual service and MOT in a months time. The mileage on the car is 34700 and last year she did 4700 miles. I check the car regularly and before the service & MOT I check all the basics, tyres, lights, brakes, drive shaft boots etc. but in the owners manual it states 'Warning: tyres which are more than 6 years old, should only be used in exceptional cases and by adopting a cautious style of driving'

The tyres still have at least 4mm of tread on them and no signs of cracks or damage to the side walls.

The MOT info I found states a tyre can be failed if the tread is too low or the condition is poor ie cuts & bulges etc, but it does not mention the age of the tyre.

I would replace all 4 tyres if I thought there was a safety issue with them, but they appear to be OK.

Anyone else been in this situation?

The only problem may be that the rubber surface / side walls start to break down due to pollution and chemicals picked up from the roadside / travel etc. If you have made a thorough inspection then I cannot see there is a problem. Have you also checked the interior side walls, either way if it passes the MOT that should be good enough. Be assured that a garage would sell you the self same car regardless of tyre age. Happy motoring.

During the Christmas break I removed all four wheels and inspected the tyres & wheels. With the wheels off I did the suspension, steering checks and gave the wheel arches a good clean with the pressure washer.

they also deteriorate from UV exposure from the sun light

if in doubt , throw some new ones on , its your wifes safety after all

On caravans they recommend changing them at 5 years whatever state they are in, which normally is good as far as tread goes but frequently cracked from standing around. If in doubt I'd change them just so your happy

NTDA reccomend change at 6 years as well, i have been in the tyre trade for about 12 years and to be honest you will know when to change them.... cracking/splitting on the sidewalls and between the treads, seen loads of tyres 10years plus when MOTing and like you sat they cant be failed for old age.. can you see the "DOT" code ie; 3605?

HTH

Phil