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Old 06-04-2021, 04:50 PM   #1
Rich Bowes
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Default 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.TIRE2.jpg
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Old 06-04-2021, 07:52 PM   #2
Jeff/Illinois
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Default 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 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!!
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Old 06-04-2021, 08:02 PM   #3
mercman from oz
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Default Re: Check your tires


Something to look out for - Splits in old Tyres.
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Old 06-05-2021, 09:54 AM   #4
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: Check your tires

That's an uncommon place for a split to occur. Perhaps it is a manufacturing defect, or may the split is the result of over pressuring the tire. Is this a Firestone tire?
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Old 06-05-2021, 10:16 AM   #5
katy
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Default Re: Check your tires

When did they start putting date codes on tires?
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Old 06-05-2021, 02:59 PM   #6
Rich Bowes
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Default Re: Check your tires

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These tires were Firestone. This time I bought Goodyears with the diamond tread pattern
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Old 06-05-2021, 03:00 PM   #7
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Default Re: Check your tires

Yes Firestone. I never inflated them over 35 PSI.
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Old 06-05-2021, 03:26 PM   #8
Model A Ron
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Default Re: Check your tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by katy View Post
When did they start putting date codes on 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.

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Old 06-05-2021, 03:34 PM   #9
Jeff/Illinois
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Default 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/
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Old 06-06-2021, 07:17 AM   #10
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: Check your tires

Re tire date codes, here is a good practice:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Tire Date Code – After CY2000.jpg (58.8 KB, 58 views)
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Old 06-06-2021, 08:16 AM   #11
Chris in WNC
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Default Re: Check your tires

why 2 new spares?
I just use my two best old tires for spares.
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Old 06-07-2021, 02:21 PM   #12
Rich Bowes
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Default 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.
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Old 06-07-2021, 02:23 PM   #13
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Default 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.
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Old 06-07-2021, 07:46 PM   #14
Chris in WNC
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Default 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......
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