Tires...Tires...Tires?

Currently most auto manufacturers call for tires to be replaced after 6 years. Most tire manufacturers still list 10 years as absolute max life regardless of appearance, but will tell you as soon as there’s any checking or cracking the tires are done. There have been a bunch of high profile accidents on tires more than 6 years old though, which is why the auto makers have changed their tune because of liability.

Here’s an article on tire life/wear
How Old - and Dangerous - Are Your Tires? | Edmunds

Guys will say old tires used to last longer, maybe they did. But they also didn’t perform nearly as well. Modern tires perform better in pretty much all conditions, but yeah, there’s a trade off there. So maybe they don’t last as long. They work a hell of a lot better when they’re good though.

I’ve seen and heard of more than a few “classic” tires letting loose and tearing apart a fender or quarter panel. Usually on low miles survivor too, because that’s why the ancient tires are still on there. And what’s that worth? You bite the bullet and buy some new tires every 6-7 years, or you bet that you won’t lose a tread, take out that nice quarter panel or fender, and cost yourself thousands in bodywork and paint. Not to mention if it’s s survivor, well, that’s over too. Assuming of course you don’t wreck the thing outright when the tire goes.

Blows my mind how much guys will spend on their engines and paint and all that “looks cool” stuff and then cheap out of tires, brakes, suspension etc. Tires are a HUGE part of braking and handling performance. You know, the stuff that lets you avoid accidents and maintain control so you don’t end up wrapped around a telephone pole?