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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

All here, its the 4 number code

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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.

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.

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

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

Tom

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.

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.

Was the bike OK?

Maybe there is your reason for the "ex" part

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

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