The date code on all my tires are the same - 2808. However, I was looking through the service receipts from the previous owner and just noticed that that they were purchased and installed almost exactly 1 year later.
So, since the tires sat around (in a warehouse?) for a year before installation should that year be included in the usual 5-7 year replacement timeframe?
Not looking to replace yet but curious.
yes, to my knowledge by what has been said on this topic.
John H
The leaching out of the paraphenylenediamine, the anti-oxidant anti-ozone chemical used in tires, is a matter of time not exposure. However the amount damage done to the tire during that year in storage would depend greatly on its exposure to sunlight and vehicle exhaust while stored. Ozone from exhaust can do as much damage to a tire as the UV that oxidizes the rubber.
I pose this as strictly a response to the question based on chemistry since I am one of those people that looks for signs of age and damage rather than going by just the age of the tire. In my opinion one should keep tire covers on your tires whenever practical to reduce UV exposure. It will add many years to their service.
Kent,
Would you drive your rig with 10 year old tires in good condition?
Peter
I religiously replace my full-timing tires at the 10 year point. I never see any sign of age.
We plan on traveling about 5-6 months per year and the rest of the time the coach is stored indoors. At 4 years the tires show no outward signs of checking or cracking. I'm just trying to get a handle on about when I might have to fork over some major cash.
Mark,
Michelin's official position is beginning at 5 years, tires must be inspected by a tire professional annually. Replace at 10 years, period.
The problem in discussing tire life is VERY dependent on how they are cared for. If never run overloaded or underinflated, covered when stored outdoors, driven once a month or so,..... they will last a whole lot longer than the way the average guy maintains (actually doesn't maintain) their tires. So no "always replace every X years" a very good picture.
Brett
Peter, I know many will think I'm crazy but on my U225 the back tires were 13 years old when they were changed. Up till then they had shown no signs of aging. As soon as I found the first sign of sidewall cracks, I immediately changed them. This was partly out of ignorance since that was my first motorhome and I probably wouldn't do it again. When I did change them out, the guy at the tire shop said they looked great and wanted to know why I was changing them. The previous owner always kept them covered and setting on vinyl floor mats.
I replaced my tires after 9 years last week and the dealer gave me $30 a tire they look so good.
I have a correction, Wife showed me the bill and it was $50 per tire..
Thanks Brett - good guess or clairvoyant - I do have Michelins and next year I will get them checked by a tire professional. The coach is exercised once a month while in storage and I faithfully use/monitor my TPMS as well as gauge check pressure periodically. I'd be happy to get 7 years, so we will see.