Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Don't worry about the looks. Make sure the production date is at minimum within the last 4 years. I wouldn't use anything that was produced in 2016 or older... Specially winter tyres.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Oh wow very good point. I didn’t know that. I will certainly check this.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

I would not accept a winter tyre that is 1 year old, once they are 5-6 years old it's time to replace them regardless of tread.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

I would say the opposite. If they look good they probably are. My winter tyres are 10 years old and there's nothing wrong with them. Some people have a very strong view on this and I don't need to hear them again but my view is if it was so serious it would be a check during the MFK. MFK check the condition not the production date. I'd rather my 10 year old winters rather than new all-seasons.


While I understand the arguments, google says:

Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) recommends waiting no more than eight years to replace your winter tyres

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

I'll go with the science and replace them looking at the production date. The cost is negligible taking safety into account. My family travel with me and their safety is quite important to me.

Even 8 years, in my books is too long time for the rubber compound to survive.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

I disagree, performance will be reduced as rubber hardens with age. I would rather take some Fresh all seasons than 8 year old winter tyres any day. Having fitted All seasons on 2 ex girlfriends cars, I doubt you would notice the difference with Winter. Talking about Continental All season & Pirelli Cintuarto all season plus. They both score highly in tests https://www.123pneus.fr/cgi-bin/rsho...n&typ=R-350942
https://www.123pneus.fr/cgi-bin/rsho...n&typ=R-350942

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Do you accept the possibility that some material changes are not visible with human eye and the consequences of decreased rubber quality cannot be estimated with a touch of a hand?

Winter tyres should be replaced earlier than summer tyres.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

To add, All Season tyres are much more advanced now. Some really do compete really well over mid range winter tyres. Sure for heavy winters you'll be much better off with dedicated winter tyres.

I live in somewhat mountain area, use quality all seasons and never had an issue. Mind you its a 4x4.

Go with the production date for safety and go with your heart (winter vs all seasons) for type :)

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Where do you find the production date? Imprinted in the tyre or? I searched all over and couldn’t find a production date though as I said they look really new.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

All here, its the 4 number code

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Doesn't make any sense! Unless you're never actually going to drive around in sub 5 degree weather. While I agree *some* all-seasons are as good as *some* winters in general a winter tyre will drive and stop significantly better than all-seasons even when they're several years old and towards end of life in terms of tread. You can't say safety is your priority if you don't fit winter tyres.



While I agree there will be some degradation of performance compared to new, well taken care of tyres in good visual condition aren't going to spontaneously explode otherwise it'd be all over the news and there'd be police checks and the mfk would check.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Reduced grip & probably some very small cracking. Neither would effect an MFK pass or a police control as the law is based on tread depth, tyres could be 20 years old, well 13 years old when I bought my Porsche 911 in CH.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

It's not about tyres exploding, but more about grip and handling in winter temperatures :)

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Boxster: only summer tires
Panda: only winter tires
Maverick: 4 season tires
Fiesta: two sets of tires and rims, will change this weekend

Tom

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Probably still better than your average all-season. So thanks. I'll keep my still-soft crack-free ten year old winter tyres and not worry about it.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

:msnmad: Such a bull shitter managed to rear end me last year. Not lot of fun being suddenly jolted forwards on a motorbike. Luckily, no whiplash injury and he took full responsibility, even insisted on the cops being called on the scene.

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Was the bike OK?

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

Maybe there is your reason for the "ex" part :p

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

They were current GF's at the time the tyres were fitted :D, I was wondering if anyone was going to pick that up :D

Re: Car tyre load index?
 

I'll keep the "tip" in mind just in case... It seems like a proven process...:p