20 year old tire.




Date Code


My 83 Bronco still has two BF Goodrich All Terrain TA's on the front. I took a pic of the DOT Date code, and at first glance it would appear to be the 30'th week of 2006. However, I know this has to be 1996. So my question is, since the truck has basically been stored in a garage since 98 or so and the tires appear to be in decent shape. Should I trust these puppies driving on the highway? I'm not a tire expert by any means, it just worries the heck out of me, that they are 20 years old. Pictures included. Any input from someone who knows tires better than I, would be appreciated.

 

Are they dry rotted? How much tread is left; tread depth? Does it leak any air?

"Simply insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it's time to replace your tires. Another easy coin test is the quarter test"

 

I guess the pictures did not go through. They have plenty of tread on them, they only have about 10k miles if that on them. They do not appear to have any severe dry rot. The biggest concern was they age.

I will try and send another pic with this response.

 

Drive it. As long as it isnt dry rotted bad and it stills holds air.

Ive driven newer tires in worse condition

 

They may be fine, though keep in mind it is the high speed, summertime high temperatures where they will most likely fail. Had some Wranglers that were almost 20 years old with a fair amount of tread left and can vouch that it is very tough to seemingly throw money away. For zipping around town, they would be absolutely OK. For long distance with loads or towing, not the way to bet.

There's something to be said for the peace of mind that new shoes offer. Even if they have tread, old rubber gets hard over the years almost imperceptibly and won't grip wet pavement well or handle as they did when new. You'll notice how much better new tires handle after a couple hundred miles though.

 

Just drive safe. Wear a seat belt. And make sure the steering is aligned.

 

to me those tires were made in the 3rd month of 06. i think you are fine.

 

Tire Tech Information - Determining the Age of a Tire

If I read the article right your tires were made in the 30th week of 1996. Be sure to have a good spare and don't drive crazy but I wouldn't be afraid to run them. I've had 3 year old tires come apart at speed on the highway. A belt shifted in the tire carcass and then the tire rapidly disintegrated as I was slowing to a stop because of the horrible vibration the slipped belt caused.

 

Maybe to you, but the four digit D.O.T. code didn't start until after 2000 or somesuch.

http://www.souzastireservice.com/tir...-of-tires.aspx

 

Replace them.

Here's a link to what Discount Tire (the biggest chain of tire stores around here, I buy all my tires there, for many years) has to say about tire age:
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireLife.do

Here's a snip:

Replace Old Tires Even if There is Tread Remaining

Vehicle Manufacturers Recommend Replacement at 6 Years
Tire Manufacturers' Warranties Expire at 6 Years
Tire Manufacturers Recommend Replacement at 10 Years
Industry Experts Recommend Replacement at 10 Years

A fatality/severe injury to others accident caused by a blowout of a 20 year old tire would be prime $$$$ lawsuit material. If an accident investigator can piece together enough of the tire to find the date code (the other old tire will be supporting evidence, and a major clue to help kick it off!), I can think of no suitable defense to that.

Just do it, and be done with it. Then you won't have to worry.

 

if you do replace them, they would be great to put on a trailer something, don't just throw them away.

 

I work in a shop change them. They're 20 yrs old not worth it. Save them for a trailer but not on personal vehicle. We just had someone bring in a tire that looked new shredded that was 10 yrs old. Plus depending on where you live they won't fix a tire that old cause liability

 

Personally I would trust a 10 year old tire like you show to drive to the tire shop to get new ones and a 20 year old tire about as far as I can throw it. It's not the rubber that is an issue but the steel belting, regardless of how it stored it will rust and rust on the little wires holding the tire together is a very bad thing.....

I know people that have gotten lucky running old tires but I also know people that have blown fenders off their truck or worse doing the same.