Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Tyres - age

Hi all,

Our 1973 +8 is fitted 185-15 Vredestein tyres, manufactured 33. week of 2017, hence this summer turns 8 years old. No visible cracks and plenty of tread. Should I change them?

Cheers

/Finn

I would. And you will find that the car is significantly improved for the change.

I change mine at 7 to 8 years old regardless of tread.

Seven years is about time to renew especially if you explore the performance envelope and even more so in the wet. They harden and lose adhesion, but if you are more a show visitor not so critical.

I would say it very much depends on how you drive and how the car is stored when not in use. In theory, tyres older than 5 to 7 years harden off and become not only less grippy but also stiffer and less compliant, so it's a good idea to change them especially if you drive enthusiastically or in wet conditions. If you have any intention of driving near the limit eg on track days, then it's a must.

On the other hand, it's exposure to daylight that is the prime reason for tyres to harden, so if your car is kept in a garage when not in use and you drive in a touring rather than sporty manner in good weather, then it's tempting to leave them on the car.

I have a set of Vredestein Sprint Classics on my car that are now over 10 years old. I've been telling myself to change them for a couple of years now, but every time I go out in them I am unable to provoke them into losing grip unless I really try hard and there is no sign of degradation on the side walls so I've given them another year. They are definitely on my list to do something about this year though.

Bottom line: If you can afford it and are concerned, then change them, no question. If like me they seem ok, you don't thrash them, you don't want to fork out £400 unnecessarily, and you are happy to accept the risk, then you could consider leaving them a while.

Doesn't matter what the age is (within reason), if the rubber has gone hard change them. Particularly noticeable on the OE Avon ZV7's on my car after five years. The walls felt smooth, hard and slippery. If unsure compare the feel of them with those on a new car in a showroom.

I would strongly recommend changing tyres. Mine were 7 years old, the car always stored in a garage. It was a significant improvement when I changed. Grip as well as steering response. It does not matter how you drive. There might be times when you really need that grip, response and above all braking capabilities - forced upon you. You cannot always choose the weather either, a shower is as we all know unpredictable and can make it very slippery - especially if it comes after a dry period with dust on the tarmac. And when I drive, I am not the only one taking a risk.
All in all, it's a good idea to change, seven years is enough in my opinion n

Yes, especially if you don't know the history of them, and, or, they've received a lot of sunlight which really accelerates the breakdown of rubber

I'll change them. Cheers /Finn

There is a difference between a car stored outside in all weather's doing, say 20000 miles a year and one stored in a garage doing 2000 miles in the summer. So, it's not just about time.