car tyre wear-when to change

[love lifer]

hello

i have 2 205x60 dunlops on the front wheels and a garage bloke reckons they have been on since the car was new- its 8 years old, 58k. the tread is ok but the outside edges are rough looking, a bit cracked.

i would appreciate your opinions on whether i should change them. (im doing a few hundred miles this weekend which has prompted some thought about this in the middle of the night)

thanks

[Conor]

Usual advice is 5 years or around 2mm tread - IMO, the 1.6mm tread depth is too low especially in the type of wet weather we've had recently.

Rubber tends not to be too clever after about 5 years and tyres that seldom get used, especially so. Slight surface harline cracking on the sidewall isn't too bad but any signs of similar in the tread grooves is serious.

[vikingaero]

The real risk is that the rubber hardens and there is a marked increased risk of of blowout.

[jimbo_the_jetset]

If they're cracked there's a real risk of blowout which could a) kill you in an accident or b) cost a hell of alot more than just tyres if it rips half the bodywork and suspension out with it.

[mrbadexample]

Original tyres, 8 years old and 58k? I think you've had your money's worth! Go on, treat it to some new boots. :D