A lot of folks talk about tire age and when they "age out."
Here is what a few tire companies have to say:
Passenger & Light Truck Service Life
Japan Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA) recommendation: At 5 years have tires inspected by "Qualified tire service person" and no matter the condition replace any tire at 10 years.
Bridgestone & Firestone issued a Tech Bulletin that supports the 10-year maximum but advises that "some tires will need to be replaced before 10 years due to operational conditions.
Michelin, Falkin, Yokohama and Vredestein suggest tires be inspected by specialist annually starting at 5 years and replaced at 10 years as a precaution "even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit"
GM recommends tires be replaced after 6 years
Hankook says to replace tires 10 years after manufacture "even if the tire was never used"
Goodyear, Continental and Cooper do not give a maximum calendar age but stresses "Monthly Inspection" along with proper storage and monitoring of inflation pressure.
Kumho says to have tires inspected annually starting at 6 years and to replace the tires at 10 years, even if the tires appear serviceable.
Vredestein suggests tires be inspected by specialist annually starting at 5 years and replaced at 10 years as a precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit. They also say that tires on trailers, campers, horse trailers and caravans (motorhomes) be replaced at 8 years.
NOTE:
They are talking about the annual inspections after 5 years to be done by a "Tire Specialist", not just anyone that sells tires. I would suggest that when having this inspection done you ask for a written assessment as a minimum. You can ask if the dealer has an ATS Certified Technician on staff.
Thanks for info!
ReplyDeleteRoger, I have gained much neefed info here and on other forums. Many recommend various LT tires over ST. I have researched the specifications on the tires and axels on my 305RL. I do not have more than 10% difference between load and tire specs. The max speed listed is only 65, that is too low for safe highway speeds. I have purchased the ford Internal TPMS units and I have room for taller tires, available for my 16 inch wheels. If an LT with better specs will be safer in my upcoming trip across Alaska then $100 more a tire is acceptable. BTW I maintain the air pressue on all ten tires. What I can't seam to find is where in the specs ST are superior to LT for trailers. At the same size, Load range, speed rating, other than price why buy ST over LT?
ReplyDeleteYou say 10% difference between load and tire spec. Actual load should be no more than 90% of the tire load capacity. When you compare LT and ST you need to be sure the LT can support AT LEAST as much load as the ST. You will probably need to increase size or Load range when going ST > LT to get the load capacity.
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