satoshi

How bad would you guys say this is? I was getting an oil change and tire rotation earlier at a tire place I've been going to for years, and the guy pointed out that they're starting to dry rot.

These tires I bought in 2011 and have gotten ~42,000 miles out of them. I'm going to be traveling next week ~500 mile roundtrip. Should I replace these before then? Or is this really not that bad? The guy didn't really know a timeframe, just said to check back next month to see if Michelin has their $70 rebate promo again.

More pics here

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

replace them!!
they're the only thing between you and the road.

satoshi

Even though the treads are not down to the wear bars yet? The dry rot is that bad?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the Porsche that was carrying Paul Walker had old tires equipped. The two men, Roger and Paul knew what they were doing when they took the P-car to unsafe speeds. They did not account for the tires being old and not being able to maintain traction. it ended, fatally.

obviously this is an extreme case, but you did mention you were going on a road trip. wouldnt you want to know if your tires will be able to handle the road conditions, at hand?

as rubber deteriorates, it loses its properties that once made it a great tire.

Simba91102

I wouldn't worry about it, but that's me. Dry rot in tires is kind of a tempest in a tea pot. Everyone (who doesn't know better) listens to the people who are so insistent about replacing them, but those people always seem to be the ones who would make a buck by doing it. I've never had a problem, don't know anyone who has had a problem, and have never actually read of or heard of someone having a problem (with possible minor dry rot). All that's probably not much help, but hey, you asked.

satoshi

I do want to know that, but I can't tell from the picture. Can you? Is it bad, or is this just a case of a tire salesman trying to sell me something I don't actually need right now?

Simba91102

Doing about 100 mph in a 30 mph zone probably didn't help either.

thoiboi

Yeah don't listen to Justin, he's obviously getting some kickbacks by the local tire shops near you to sell tires..


What's the going rate for online referrals now, 10%, 20%?



In all seriousness OP, you came online for advice on something that can be pretty subjective. There are people that are going to be on both sides of the risk scale: 1. will say you should replace it to be on the safe side. 2. will say don't worry about it.


Only time will tell and what if you followed 2. and ended up stranded on the road? Following 1. would only ensure safety.


But ultimately the decision is up to you if you want to risk it


*not paid for by a local tire shop

satoshi

I didn't say the previous poster was trying to sell me them. I said the tire salesman was, and when all is said and done, this is going to be ~$800, so it's a big deal.

All I want to know is, based on the picture, how bad is the tire rot? Is it in the very early stages? Or is it near death? That's it.

loulinjai

If you're going to dump the car in a month, I wouldn't replace it. If you're going to keep it, you're going to have to replace the tires at some point in the near future, why not do it now?

satoshi

Because it's extremely inconvenient for me to do this next week right before the trip. After would be no problem.

Can anyone on this forum actually tell based on the picture how bad the tire rot is?

thoiboi

1. extremely inconvenient. 2. expensive
Sounds like you're leaning towards not doing it, so don't.

Just take a risk and go on your trip. There's a chance you'll be okay.


You can't expect a tire diagnostic over the internet based on two pictures. Cmon now!

WheelMcCoy

Hard to tell from the pics. 2011? Did you buy them new? 4 years is still kind of early. And Michelin makes quality tires. Are these TSX OEM Pilots -- HX-MXM4 model? I found their tread life lasts between 30k and 40k. You already have 42k miles on them.

If you bought them used, replace them! Asap!

satoshi

Bought brand new, but they're not Pilots, they're Primacy MXM4.

There are additional pics btw, not sure if everyone saw that: link

WheelMcCoy

I upgraded to the Primacy MXM4s too! I only have 5000 miles on mine.

Were your tires exposed to a lot heat? Wonder what would cause these cracks.

Here's some general info I found about dry rot:
What Is Tire Dry Rot? | Angies List

And I found this forum discussion about Michelin dry rotting. They think Michelins tend toward superficial cracks -- near the bead and tread. The dangerous cracks are the ones along the sidewall.

Michelin Dry Rot Problems | Tires & Wheels | Bob Is The Oil Guy

Just remember, this is the internet.

curls

Check the date code on your tires (each of them as they aren't always made the same month/year).
Should be a 4-digit number in an oval - that's the MMYY.
Anything near 7+ years old can be dangerous for dry-rot reasons.


And to anyone who says dry rot isn't serious, look at trailer tires for things like small RV's, etc. They're WAY tougher than passenger tires (stiffer, more steel plies, etc.) but 99% of the time if they burst on the road, it's because dry rot deteriorated the rubber and the tires' structure just comes apart catastrophically. (I know as it's happened to me.)


If you're keeping the car, get the tires changed before the trip if you're coming up anywhere near 7 years since manufacturer date.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you're missing a very important trait, OP!

the rubber compound in tires changes throughout the years! 4 years is enough to change the properties of the rubber, preventing you from stopping as quickly as if they were new

I guarantee that you are sliding. especially since the weather is getting cooler and wetter .

on your 500 mile road trip, I TRULY hope the weather conditions are PERFECT, sunny and 80-90 degrees. if not, you are seriously compromising you and others on the road

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

they were fully aware of what the car is capable of and they knew the streets, as their shop was around the corner.

what they didnt account for is an external factor. perhaps something was on the road? maybe the 9 year old tires didnt maintain traction? who knows. the point is to keep your car fully maintained, as you can be a danger to yourself or others

robpp

iTrader: (2)

fark that


there is a DATE CODE on the tire. you can determine WHEN the tire was built.
DOT recommend not more than 10 years.


justin will scream if you didnt go by the puter for an oil change or maintenance..........but he wants you to throw away your tires early.

i suspect the DOT standard will cover you.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^tell that to Paul Walker and Roger Rodas who died because of 9 year old tires

TacoBello

safety? who cares about safety, when I can save a couple hundred bucks!!

I hope that money comes in use when you ded. It'll add to a nice coffin.

ScoobyTL

I would replace the tires especially if you are going on a long road trip. To me, $800 is better than swerving on the road and getting into an accident. That would be more inconvenient than changing out tires.

Plus, you'll get some peace of mind knowing that your tires won't fail on you on your road trip.

robpp

iTrader: (2)

for the DOT spec to work, all factors would need to be to spec.

I think they may have been going faster than the speed limit.........what were the speed rating of these 9 YO tires?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

they were fitted to the Porsche Carrera GT. the P-CGT has a top speed of 208mph and is equipped with a V10 engine capable of 600hp.

the 9 year old tires were rated for the car, as only a select few tires are allowed on that car.

it was simply an outdated tire that couldnt keep up with the car that caused the demise.


I'm rolling around on 4 year old ALL season tires. as the weather gets less favorable, I can tell that my tires are not up-to par for the roads. EVEN tho, it has full tread left.

yes, i'll be buying new tires before the inclement weather really starts to get bad. I dont want to spend the money, but, I kinda have to. I want my car to stop when I tell it to.

thoiboi

Your car has voice control?!?


Must be one of those RLXs with Upgraded Tyres

TacoBello

Tires are probably the one item I will NEVER skimp on in any way, shape, or form. It's just not worth it.

The price of a set of good, new tires is still much cheaper than even the smallest fender bender. Pay now or pay later. Eventually you end up paying in one way, or another.