Tyre Life

[kenandjan]

My tyres are now 6 years old ,with 30k fabulous touring miles under their belt. have just passed MoT and major service without a mention and I'm wondering whether to change them. They are Michelin 215/75/R16C CAMPING tyres and have 5/6mm tread left and look ok. Don't want to take any chances but £500 for a new set goes a long way when touring. Goes anyone know the rules on when to replace ?

 

[JohnQuigley]

Hi,
Tyre wear and performance are crutial. All the power of the engine and brakes are transmitted by a small area of the tyres imprint on the road.
Besides tread wear, which is obvious and covered by law, all tyres suffer from 'age'. Vulcanised rubber doesn't like sun light - it ages them and causes cracking and, if severe, can cause water penitration to the re-inforcing plies.
Five or six years would be enough for many tyres, even if the tread wear is still legal.
All tyres bear a 'DOT' mark which states the month (No.) and year (two digits) of the manufacture (note not the fitting).
John Q