DOT your Tyres

[Mike Trident]

Can anyone recommend a tyre that may actually make it to 6 years old without cracking? As I said last week in a post about my MOT, the tester mentioned that I should keep an eye on the rear tyres as there is signs of them beginning to crack. These are probably only about 3 to 3 1/2 years old and have plenty of tread. It appears that these days you have to change tyres because they are starting to fall apart well before they are worn out.

[Rich in Vancouver]

15 or so years ago I bought a very early TR7 with a set of hardly worn Pirelli P6 tyres on it. Lots of tread, no cracking whatsoever. The car went well after a bit (quite a bit!) of mechanical attention. It had decent power, enough to spin the tyres in first and second gears. Pretty good I thought. The car handled alright in rainy conditions, but when the temperature got cold it became quite treacherous. I had a 5 mile flat commute to work and tried to drive it to work in light snow...once. At the first traffic light I was hardly able to climb over the road's crown and turning led to massive oversteer. I got one block from my house and managed to turn around and make it back home.
Later I checked the date on the tyres...23 years old! No wonder they turned to stone when the temp dropped!

[victorgte]

Originally Posted by Rich in Vancouver

15 or so years ago I bought a very early TR7 with a set of hardly worn Pirelli P6 tyres on it. Lots of tread, no cracking whatsoever. The car went well after a bit (quite a bit!) of mechanical attention. It had decent power, enough to spin the tyres in first and second gears. Pretty good I thought. The car handled alright in rainy conditions, but when the temperature got cold it became quite treacherous. I had a 5 mile flat commute to work and tried to drive it to work in light snow...once. At the first traffic light I was hardly able to climb over the road's crown and turning led to massive oversteer. I got one block from my house and managed to turn around and make it back home.
Later I checked the date on the tyres...23 years old! No wonder they turned to stone when the temp dropped!

My TR7 was exactly the same with new rubber. The only cure was a bag or two of sand in the boot to add weight to the rear wheels and get grip.
A design quirk rather than bad tyres. Lovely car when it worked.

[torque2me]

Originally Posted by SCP440

going to pay for a new set then?''

Wasn't there a case of an MGB driver getting killed who had used old original tyres on his car?

Yes Steve, He, however, increased speed when he felt a vibration (probably a bulge in the tyre). i've had a Conti do that which was well within three years old. Bearing the MGB experience/knowledge I don't have a problem if cracking is not present. I usually keep to 50/60 mph and always pull over to investigate "vibrations" or "clonks" when they occur on ANY car that I drive.

Kev

[RobSun]

Originally Posted by Mike Trident

Can anyone recommend a tyre that may actually make it to 6 years old without cracking? As I said last week in a post about my MOT, the tester mentioned that I should keep an eye on the rear tyres as there is signs of them beginning to crack. These are probably only about 3 to 3 1/2 years old and have plenty of tread. It appears that these days you have to change tyres because they are starting to fall apart well before they are worn out.

I had this issue with a set of Avon's on my Volvo

A main brand tyre should be covered by a six year warranty. Mine were part refunded through the suppliers, Black Circles, based on tread left.

Avon told me that the issue is caused by EU regulations that restrict the compounds that are used in manufacture i.e. inferior to those available in the past. Most cars doing average mileage wear out before the cracks occur so it effects low mileage cars mainly like classics, cherished etc.

[torque2me]

Originally Posted by RobSun

I had this issue with a set of Avon's on my Volvo

A main brand tyre should be covered by a six year warranty. Mine were part refunded through the suppliers, Black Circles, based on tread left.

Avon told me that the issue is caused by EU regulations that restrict the compounds that are used in manufacture i.e. inferior to those available in the past. Most cars doing average mileage wear out before the cracks occur so it effects low mileage cars mainly like classics, cherished etc.

Never had issues with Avon's but with a 260 they only last for 18 months. With us out of the EU now perhaps there is scope for Cooper Tires to amend the compounds but don't hold your breath.

Kev

[Bartonrover]

Set of Avons fitted to my V6 in Sept '19 - done only 10k mls since. Dot code says manufactured January 2019. MOT Advisory: severe cracking on all 4. Yes it's quite extensive.

I had no idea I had this problem - I check them frequently but being the wrong side of 70 and without my reading glasses, all I ever saw was plenty of tread which is still there. Hadn't realised this was a problem especially it seems with Avons.

[Jules]

This problem happens with various brands including Dunlop and Michelin.

I would complain to Avon with a
Not fair wear & tear type notice or
Not fit for purpose etc.

We were told by one supplier that a few years ago an ingredient added to the rubber as a preservative was banned for environmental reasons, which would explain a lot.

[Arctic]

I have to agree with jules, a letter to Avon, or take the car to the place you purchased them from and let them deal with it.

Trouble is with some of these tyres places they will want to send one or even all the tyres back to Avon to have them tested and looked at, and will get you to purchase some more tyres while it's being dealt with.

Not many people are willing to go through that process, but i would, you might too ? do let us know the outcome please.

[gnu]

I recently had some Falkens fitted to my ZT - I hope they last. I previously had this brand of tyre on my ZS and was very happy with their performance and durability.