I have a 2007 C2S with 8,500 miles and, while driven monthly, it is third in line of the vehicles that I drive regularly - that explains the lack of miles on the odometer. The tires have plenty of tread, but I am concerned about the age of the tires. Thoughts?

 

I certainly wouldn't trust them for high speed driving or track use, but if they aren't showing any signs of cracking, I would continue to drive on them (within reason). Heck, you're only driving them a 100 miles a month.

As an aside, why keep the car? I've never understood letting these cars depreciate in a garage when they were meant to be driven......by someone.

Admittedly, my '07 has 45,000 miles on it and is driven daily.

 

Just make sure to have them checked out since I had to replace the Michelin Pilot Sports on a previous car that only had 6,000 miles, but it was the original tires that came with the vehicle which was was over six years old at the time. The rubber tends to get hard over time. At least that's the way it was explained to me by the tire shop. Good idea to have a reputable tire place check them for safety reasons.

 

tires should last for about 7 years in time duration given the threadwear is good.

when tires age, they get stiff and may even crack. if you start to notice any change in feel when you drive, it's due to be changed. extreme weather shorten the life significantly.

 

The rule usually is 6 years, but it depends on environmental conditions. If the rubber is in good condition, has no fissures or cracks it should be fine, at least for street use.

 

I just replaced my second set of rear PS2's (with Pilot Super Sports) after travelling only 12,000km (~7,500 miles). The old tires were only 5 years old with plenty of tread but they felt stiff, unforgiving, had no grip. New tyres (especially with the new compounds) grip that much better.

 

I personally replaced them every 2-3 years at most

 

BTW, I should have mentioned that they have taken on an annoying trait. And...it is this trait that created my age concern. I get a throbbing through the steering wheel (normally indicating front inbalance) and through the passenger headrest (usually meaning the rears) until the tires come up to temperature. Then the vibration diminishes - almost entirely. I take this as a sign that they are stiffening with age. Despite my screen name, I've lived in Phoenix for the last four years and the heat may have contributed to accelerated aging. Thoughts???

 

Rick,

The key as has been mentioned is looking for the dry-rot cracking and the heat can be a factor.

If the car is sittling a long time you can be getting flat spots may be the cause of the vibration.

 

I really like the SS's but are having trouble getting them in my size for the rears of my base 997.

Did you consider any other tire?

 

Please read this article, then this one. It's great info on aging.

 

I purchased Michelin Pilot Super Sports in 305/30/19 (I only use Summer performance tyres)

I looked at replacement PS2's but they were MORE expensive than the newer and better rated Super Sports. I also considered the Bridgestone RE11's however the wear rating and overall performance (from the reviews) was not as good. However a friend has RE11 and says they're fantastic.
I've also had Pirelli Corsa's and they were ok, but noisy (and costly).

btw I bought them from Tirerack (and they shipped them to AUSTRALIA in 5 days!) Awesome service Tirerack....(so Damon - pass on my thanks to Grant).

 

yeah...tirerack is awesome as is Damon. But they are backordered. If nothing in next two weeks I will go up a size. Or get something similar and switch out all four. Really only need rears now (265/40/18)