Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi, I am restoring a 69 2000. The tires on it (Michelin X) look brand new, but are dated on the sidewall nearly ten years ago. I'm hearing a lot of buzz on the web lately about one should change tires every 5 to 7 years (depending on the "expert") - regardless of actual milage. Has anyone had any trouble with Michelin X blowing out or other trauma at past 7 years or so? The car will not be raced (except maybe exhibition laps at low speeds and the like). Opinions invited.

While I'm at it, the wheels are "wire spoke" in appearance -- BUT in reality are a 4 bolt conventional pattern. They are definitely NOT knock off spline type a la the days of Sterling Moss, etc. They badly need balancing above about 70 mph. Anything special I should know about balancing fake wire wheels?

Thanks guys.

Its not as if you will go out and the tire will blow on you because they are past 7 years old

That being said regardless of condition if a tire is that old and I did not have the history of how it was stored and maintained I would not be comfortable using them , maintenance and storage is extremely important to determine the life of a tire and how it will age

Oh and if they are the old Michelin X all seasons , they're pretty bad tire anyway

look for visible cracking

Most "modern" shops won't touch tires that are too old, except to discard them, so you may not even be able to get them balanced depending on their policies. I drove around on 20 year old Pirelli's for years, never had a problem blissfully unaware of the age rule. Once aware, it was definitely in the back of my mind that something could happen, and I replaced when I could afford it - but again, never a problem. If visible cracking, I would definitely get rid of them.

The danger can't be detected by simply looking for visible cracking - a bad tire may have none. The degradation (danger) is internal to the tire. The adhesion of the belts to one another results in possible tread separation. It's basically impossible to detect short of destructive laboratory testing. Also, as tires age they become harder, which adversely affects their handling characteristics. The Paul Walker crash is thought to have been caused because the tires on that Porsche were nearly ten years old. I used to work rollover cases back in the day and saw way too many accident scene pictures to mess around with old tires anymore...

I work for a company called Coker tire (we sell vintage style tires). We tell customers around the 7 year mark you want to consider a new set of tires. However it does depend on a lot of factors (where the car was kept, climate, type of vehicle / use). By the time you see cracks on the outside of the sidewall the internal damage has already been done.
All that being said, I would definitely consider a new set of tires.

REPLACE THEM, most likely your "out of balance" is "out of round". A blown tire can cause a lot of damage.
It kills me that I have to replace my tires before they are worn out, I keep buying higher and higher traction tires.

If they were original tires, I might suggest you keep them for "Show" only

I would get a new set of tires and wheels.....but I don't like the fake wires.
Either a nice set of refurbished stock steel wheels or alloys.