Check your tires
 

Recently, while my wife and I were on a short trip around town, a man admiring our car pointed out this split in one of my car's tires. I had just washed & waxed the car but hadn't yet cleaned the whitewalls. If I had done so, there's no way that I could have missed this. The crack in the sidewall actually extended a few inches on both ends past what is pictured, but wasn't as deep. The tire was at least 10 years old, as it had been on the car when I bought it. Needless to say, I bought 6 new tires and replaced all the tires (including the 2 spares) which had been on the car when I bought it in 2011. I'm assuming that the split was due to the age of the tire as I have always kept an eye on the pressure, and have not hit anything to cause the damage. Lesson: check your tires regularly.Attachment 465066

Re: Check your tires
 

It almost looks like the Bandag Re-cap tires that were popular around here in the 70's, they used to split out similar to that. I see it is a Firestone. What kind did you buy this time around??

I took a tire in for a new tube at our local farm supply store, off of the '36 PU last month. I asked the guy to read the date code on the tire. They look really good.

He said 'Wow!' right off the bat (I'm thinking this ain't good) and he said 'I haven't seen this code in years. It is from 1995.'

Ouch:eek::eek: He also said 'I wouldn't drive to California on them but they really are in very good shape. It's OK to just drive around locally.'

I think I'll still spring for a new set this summer!!

Re: Check your tires
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1622843302
Something to look out for - Splits in old Tyres.

Re: Check your tires
 

Re: Check your tires
 

When did they start putting date codes on tires?

Re: Check your tires
 

These tires were Firestone. This time I bought Goodyears with the diamond tread pattern

Re: Check your tires
 

Yes Firestone. I never inflated them over 35 PSI.

Re: Check your tires
 

Many many moons now. The systems differ but they have been on for a very long time. For the Gentleman who had the split could you post a photo for the date code? I think since 2000 it was week and year so this weeks tires would be 2221.

Ron

Re: Check your tires
 

Ron that is just what the guy at the local Farm store said, how they date code tires today. Like what you said.

He also said not to buy 'new' tires if you see the date code is old. Demand new tires. Always check them before you buy them.

Here's a link to dating them:

https://www.tires-easy.com/blog/tire-dot-date-code/

Re: Check your tires
 

Re: Check your tires
 

why 2 new spares?
I just use my two best old tires for spares.

Re: Check your tires
 

Unfortunately, I no longer have the old tires. I disposed of them at the town dump. I know that they were at least 10 years old. Websites suggest not using tires older than 10 years.

Re: Check your tires
 

The car came with 2 spares - 1 on each front fender. I didn't see the wisdom of keeping 10 year old spares to use if there was a problem with 1 of my new tires.

Re: Check your tires
 

ok.
it's your money.
seems someone you know should have 2 used 19" tires adequate for spares.
when I get my 4 new tires later this year, I will use my 2 best old ones for spares.
they are about 30 years old (but don't look a day over 10, if that).
driving Model As since 1986, I've only had 2 flats......