Maximum tire life?

Excerpts from [url]http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113158615653093082.html[/url]

Bridgestone has broken ranks with the rest of the US rubber industry
in recommending a maximum life span for passenger and light-truck
tires.

In a recent technical bulletin to its dealers, the tire maker said all
tires - including spares - that are more than 10 years old should be
replaced, regardless of their external appearance. The company cited
the same recommendation issued in September by the Japan Automotive
Tire Manufacturers Association.

Many US car makers have pushed ahead with such recommendations,
although their age recommendations vary and generally are shorter.

Earlier this year, Ford started urging consumers to replace tires
after six years. Ford said its research shows that tires degrade over
time, even when they are not being used.

The US tire industry, however, insists there is no science to support
this view.

Bridgestone's technical bulletin notes that although the company is
not aware of technical data that support a specific tire service life,
it believes it is appropriate to follow the Japanese tire industry's
new recommendation.


============================

The folly of mistaking a paradox for a discovery,
a metaphor for a proof,
a torrent of verbiage for a spring of capital truths,
and oneself for an oracle,
is inborn in us.

....Paul Valery

On Thu, 10 Nov 2005 08:28:26 -0800, Steve wrote:

A report out last year suggested 6 years.

[color=blue]
>
> Excerpts from [url]http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113158615653093082.html[/url]
>
> Bridgestone has broken ranks with the rest of the US rubber industry
> in recommending a maximum life span for passenger and light-truck
> tires.
>
> In a recent technical bulletin to its dealers, the tire maker said all
> tires - including spares - that are more than 10 years old should be
> replaced, regardless of their external appearance. The company cited
> the same recommendation issued in September by the Japan Automotive
> Tire Manufacturers Association.
>
> Many US car makers have pushed ahead with such recommendations,
> although their age recommendations vary and generally are shorter.
>
> Earlier this year, Ford started urging consumers to replace tires
> after six years. Ford said its research shows that tires degrade over
> time, even when they are not being used.
>
> The US tire industry, however, insists there is no science to support
> this view.
>
> Bridgestone's technical bulletin notes that although the company is
> not aware of technical data that support a specific tire service life,
> it believes it is appropriate to follow the Japanese tire industry's
> new recommendation.
>
>
> ============================
>
> The folly of mistaking a paradox for a discovery,
> a metaphor for a proof,
> a torrent of verbiage for a spring of capital truths,
> and oneself for an oracle,
> is inborn in us.
>
> ...Paul Valery[/color]

Waiving the right to remain silent, Steve <amkb@bnd.inv> said:
[color=blue]
> Earlier this year, Ford started urging consumers to replace
> tires after six years. Ford said its research shows that tires
> degrade over time, even when they are not being used.
>
> The US tire industry, however, insists there is no science to
> support this view.[/color]

Like all compounds, tire "rubber" degrades over time. How much time
depends on lots of factors, too numerous to list now.

But, I'm sure most of their concern involves heading off lawsuits
from idiots who can't keep their tires properly inflated and
maintained. Or from a fool who tries to corner his SUV at 80mph and
rolls the tires off the rims...

--
Larry J. - Remove spamtrap in ALLCAPS to e-mail

"I've come here to enjoy nature. Don't talk to me
about the environment!" - 'Denny Crane'

I have a 91 Corvette , 20500 miles . I'm the only owner , the tires look
good and have a lot of tread left . There are times I take the car on the
expressway and drive it fast . I'm wondering if I'm taking my life in my
hands with 15 year old tires on that vehicle.

-Dana
"Larry J." <usenet2@DE.LETE.THISljvideo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns970A71B02A976thefrogprince@68.6.19.6...[color=blue]
> Waiving the right to remain silent, Steve <amkb@bnd.inv> said:
>[color=green]
>> Earlier this year, Ford started urging consumers to replace
>> tires after six years. Ford said its research shows that tires
>> degrade over time, even when they are not being used.
>>
>> The US tire industry, however, insists there is no science to
>> support this view.[/color]
>
> Like all compounds, tire "rubber" degrades over time. How much time
> depends on lots of factors, too numerous to list now.
>
> But, I'm sure most of their concern involves heading off lawsuits
> from idiots who can't keep their tires properly inflated and
> maintained. Or from a fool who tries to corner his SUV at 80mph and
> rolls the tires off the rims...
>
> --
> Larry J. - Remove spamtrap in ALLCAPS to e-mail
>
> "I've come here to enjoy nature. Don't talk to me
> about the environment!" - 'Denny Crane'[/color]

Interesting issue. I bet that there are many variables including rubber
compounds, atmospheric pollution types and levels, sun exposure, heat
exposure, etc.

Putting an exact replacement interval date on tires is hard, but it is
clear that old rubber gets harder and more likely to fail.

John

In article <TSQcf.7585$AS6.263@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net>,
"Dana" <dlkramer@mindspring.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
> I have a 91 Corvette , 20500 miles . I'm the only owner , the tires look
> good and have a lot of tread left . There are times I take the car on the
> expressway and drive it fast . I'm wondering if I'm taking my life in my
> hands with 15 year old tires on that vehicle.[/color]

My father, who is now 79 years old, bought a 98 Honda Odyssey brand new.

Several months ago, at 45K miles, he put new tires on. He said he
couldn't believe how much better the car rode and handled.

He just got used to the original tires slowly going to hell, that's all.

On Thu, 10 Nov 2005 23:39:31 GMT, "Dana" <dlkramer@mindspring.com>
wrote:
[color=blue]
>I have a 91 Corvette , 20500 miles . I'm the only owner , the tires look
>good and have a lot of tread left . There are times I take the car on the
>expressway and drive it fast . I'm wondering if I'm taking my life in my
>hands with 15 year old tires on that vehicle.[/color]

You could be - but before you freak and have the car towed to the
tire store, get down on your knees and really inspect the tires.

If you see lots of age cracking and checking, especially cracks that
have opened up to expose fabric belts, you have rotten tires. And
look down between the tread blocks, that's where the stress is
concentrated. If the rubber is as smooth soft and pliable as a baby's
bottom, you should be fine for a while longer...

But with 15-year-old tires, even if the outside looks perfect I'd
still start looking around for a good sale on tires. The tread
compounds change with age, and I'll bet you like the grip and ride of
the car on new tires much better.

--<< Bruce >>--

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.

Larry J. wrote:[color=blue]
> Waiving the right to remain silent, Steve <amkb@bnd.inv> said:
>
>[color=green]
>>Earlier this year, Ford started urging consumers to replace
>>tires after six years. Ford said its research shows that tires
>>degrade over time, even when they are not being used.
>>
>>The US tire industry, however, insists there is no science to
>>support this view.[/color]
>
>
> Like all compounds, tire "rubber" degrades over time. How much time
> depends on lots of factors, too numerous to list now.
>
> But, I'm sure most of their concern involves heading off lawsuits[/color]

damned right! blaming tires is cheaper than admitting liability for
thousands of deaths through /known/ flawed design. and let's face it,
that strategy was spectacularly successful before.
[color=blue]
> from idiots who can't keep their tires properly inflated and
> maintained. Or from a fool who tries to corner his SUV at 80mph and
> rolls the tires off the rims...
>[/color]

Dana wrote:[color=blue]
> I have a 91 Corvette , 20500 miles . I'm the only owner , the tires look
> good and have a lot of tread left . There are times I take the car on the
> expressway and drive it fast . I'm wondering if I'm taking my life in my
> hands with 15 year old tires on that vehicle.
>
> -Dana[/color]

"Do ya feel lucky?" I would put new rubber on 'er.

John

In article <3o88n1t3a40fostst8aeqgsr5j80gqulu1@4ax.com>,
Bruce L. Bergman <blPYTHONbergman@earthlink.invalid> wrote:
[color=blue]
> But with 15-year-old tires,[/color]

on a PERFORMANCE care like a 'Vette, no less.

Wow. That's like putting piss-water Mexican gas in it to save a few
dimes.

You certainly are entitled to your opinion but a US Senate investigation,
numerous courts cases and admissions by the tire manufacture involved in the
court settlements, have proven that what you believe that led you to that
opinion, is wrong. Do some research on Firestones tires, WBMA :)

mike hunt


"jim beam" <nospam@example.net> wrote in message
news:y_CdnfEXWOnsuuneRVn-pg@speakeasy.net...[color=blue]
> Larry J. wrote:[color=green]
>> Waiving the right to remain silent, Steve <amkb@bnd.inv> said:
>>
>>[color=darkred]
>>>Earlier this year, Ford started urging consumers to replace
>>>tires after six years. Ford said its research shows that tires
>>>degrade over time, even when they are not being used.
>>>
>>>The US tire industry, however, insists there is no science to
>>>support this view.[/color]
>>
>>
>> Like all compounds, tire "rubber" degrades over time. How much time
>> depends on lots of factors, too numerous to list now.
>>
>> But, I'm sure most of their concern involves heading off lawsuits[/color]
>
> damned right! blaming tires is cheaper than admitting liability for
> thousands of deaths through /known/ flawed design. and let's face it,
> that strategy was spectacularly successful before.
>[color=green]
>> from idiots who can't keep their tires properly inflated and maintained.
>> Or from a fool who tries to corner his SUV at 80mph and rolls the tires
>> off the rims...
>>[/color]
>[/color]

"Steve" <amkb@bnd.inv> wrote in message
news:v4t6n1prs0t6iao1328f825c60ua7nch0p@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>
> Excerpts from [url]http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113158615653093082.html[/url]
>
> Bridgestone has broken ranks with the rest of the US rubber industry
> in recommending a maximum life span for passenger and light-truck
> tires.
>
> In a recent technical bulletin to its dealers, the tire maker said all
> tires - including spares - that are more than 10 years old should be
> replaced, regardless of their external appearance. The company cited
> the same recommendation issued in September by the Japan Automotive
> Tire Manufacturers Association.
>[/color]

<snip rest>

I was under the impression that 10 years was standard on the life of a tire.
I bought a new spare a few years ago because the one I had (a full-size
spare) was in excess of 10 years old.

On Fri, 11 Nov 2005 15:24:47 -0800, Jeff Strickland wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Steve" <amkb@bnd.inv> wrote in message
> news:v4t6n1prs0t6iao1328f825c60ua7nch0p@4ax.com...[color=green]
>>
>> Excerpts from [url]http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113158615653093082.html[/url]
>>
>> Bridgestone has broken ranks with the rest of the US rubber industry
>> in recommending a maximum life span for passenger and light-truck
>> tires.
>>
>> In a recent technical bulletin to its dealers, the tire maker said all
>> tires - including spares - that are more than 10 years old should be
>> replaced, regardless of their external appearance. The company cited
>> the same recommendation issued in September by the Japan Automotive
>> Tire Manufacturers Association.
>>[/color]
>
> <snip rest>
>
> I was under the impression that 10 years was standard on the life of a tire.
> I bought a new spare a few years ago because the one I had (a full-size
> spare) was in excess of 10 years old.[/color]
<Whistling...> (still has the original spare in his '85 Corolla GTS AND
his '85 Celica GTS...)

Mike Hunter wrote:[color=blue]
> You certainly are entitled to your opinion but a US Senate investigation,
> numerous courts cases and admissions by the tire manufacture involved in the
> court settlements, have proven that what you believe that led you to that
> opinion, is wrong. Do some research on Firestones tires, WBMA :)[/color]

excuse me, but when is it ok for a vehicle to roll when a tire blows? i
don't care if it's tread separation, broken bottle or gunshot, NO
VEHICLE SHOULD EVER ROLL AS THE RESULT OF A FLAT. and no amount of
highly expensive lobbying whitewash or out of court settlements can
change that fact. similarly, it's just plain criminal to lobby AGAINST
rollover roof collapse standards for these same vehicles that have a
known rollover propensity "because it would cost too much". have you
ever been behind an suv when it rolls and kills its occupants because
the roof collapses to hood height? i have.
[color=blue]
>
> mike hunt
>
>
> "jim beam" <nospam@example.net> wrote in message
> news:y_CdnfEXWOnsuuneRVn-pg@speakeasy.net...
>[color=green]
>>Larry J. wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>Waiving the right to remain silent, Steve <amkb@bnd.inv> said:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Earlier this year, Ford started urging consumers to replace
>>>>tires after six years. Ford said its research shows that tires
>>>>degrade over time, even when they are not being used.
>>>>
>>>>The US tire industry, however, insists there is no science to
>>>>support this view.
>>>
>>>
>>>Like all compounds, tire "rubber" degrades over time. How much time
>>>depends on lots of factors, too numerous to list now.
>>>
>>>But, I'm sure most of their concern involves heading off lawsuits[/color]
>>
>>damned right! blaming tires is cheaper than admitting liability for
>>thousands of deaths through /known/ flawed design. and let's face it,
>>that strategy was spectacularly successful before.
>>
>>[color=darkred]
>>>from idiots who can't keep their tires properly inflated and maintained.
>>>Or from a fool who tries to corner his SUV at 80mph and rolls the tires
>>>off the rims...
>>>[/color]
>>[/color]
>
>[/color]

Thank you for the input , I appreicate the information.
-Dana
"Bruce L. Bergman" <blPYTHONbergman@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
news:3o88n1t3a40fostst8aeqgsr5j80gqulu1@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Thu, 10 Nov 2005 23:39:31 GMT, "Dana" <dlkramer@mindspring.com>
> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>I have a 91 Corvette , 20500 miles . I'm the only owner , the tires look
>>good and have a lot of tread left . There are times I take the car on the
>>expressway and drive it fast . I'm wondering if I'm taking my life in my
>>hands with 15 year old tires on that vehicle.[/color]
>
> You could be - but before you freak and have the car towed to the
> tire store, get down on your knees and really inspect the tires.
>
> If you see lots of age cracking and checking, especially cracks that
> have opened up to expose fabric belts, you have rotten tires. And
> look down between the tread blocks, that's where the stress is
> concentrated. If the rubber is as smooth soft and pliable as a baby's
> bottom, you should be fine for a while longer...
>
> But with 15-year-old tires, even if the outside looks perfect I'd
> still start looking around for a good sale on tires. The tread
> compounds change with age, and I'll bet you like the grip and ride of
> the car on new tires much better.
>
> --<< Bruce >>--
>
> --
> Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
> Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
> 5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
> Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.[/color]