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_3

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.