I bought some winter tyres about 4 weeks ago off a colleague and had them fitted to my spare wheels. Now I've got a working car again, I was just about to fit them today but by chance came across an article regarding tyre age this morning. This article suggested that tyres over 6 years old should never be used, so I decided to go and check the date stamps on the four tyres. Two were stamped middle of 2009, which is obviously OK, but the other two are stamped as late 2000!

The tyres look perfectly OK, there's no visible perishing and the sidewalls were supple when the tyres were off the rims. Does anyone know if these are likely to be OK (or if there's anything to look for that might hint at any problems)? I'm a bit reluctant to have to get them changed (the tyres cost £43 fitted each) although obviously if there's a safety issue then it's a no brainer.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I would suggest they will be fine as long as you cant see the rubber perishing (you know, fine cracks on visual examination ect)...

Try blowing them up and then checking, especially between the blocks.

They are inflated on the rims, to about 33psi at the moment (and have been for about 4 weeks - I had them fitted to my spare rims soon after I bought the tyres). They look OK, no visible deterioration, but I'll check with a loupe and a torch.

Edited 12 December, 201015 yr by yashicamat

Grip tyre softener can help soften old tyres up

Out of interest didn't you used to be on the NPOC?

Apart from the cracking issue tyres also harden with age, this is why most manufacturers recommend a maximum life of 6 years.

Grip tyre softener can help soften old tyres up

Out of interest didn't you used to be on the NPOC?

Yeah I was (still am signed up on there) - I had a silver P11GT. Miss that car actually . . . what was your alias?

Apart from the cracking issue tyres also harden with age, this is why most manufacturers recommend a maximum life of 6 years.

These tyres seem to be very supple to me, more so than my summer tyres anyway. Maybe I'll give them a whirl and see how they perform . . .