old 300

I have a set of LTX m/s on my '01. They are original 9 year old tires that have never been removed from the rims. There is about 50,000 miles on them but still about 25% tread remaining. The problem is that the tires are starting to crack about 1 inch up the sidewalls from the tread all the way around each tire. Little short cracks. Also various cracks on tread and side walls.
I know the tires are ready to be replaced and I have got many years service from these but was trying to figure out what is up. Could it be the sun's UV's or age dry cracks? Are they safe? I will be installing my winter rims and tires in the next couple weeks so I'm not stuck. The side walls other than where the splits are look like new tires.
My spare that is under the back is the same tire and was wondering if it would be safe to install with 3 new ones? It never has been used.

Fiftygrit

Man I have never got that many years out of my Michelin`s but I do get good mileage out of them, if the side walls are starting to crack I would say its time for some new ones, they are the only thing between you and the road, ditch, guard rail if you get my drift. My new ones last week just cost me $325 each so good luck.

nickg

DONT run them! if they are cracking its a ticking time bomb, funny that you posted this as the otherday in the Alberta Chapter someone posted this link. its a report on old tires that failed, and it even shows you how to fiqure out the date the tires were made, they reccommend that NEW tires that are older than 6yrs NOT be used, yet shops still sell them knowing they are bad!

I cant take credit for the post, but I'm cut and pasting it here, for your info

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

Western Rammer

Great info Nick!

old 300

Thanks guy's for the great info. I am not totally dumb around vehicles and knew that it couldn't be a good thing but after watching that video I think the tires will be coming off sooner than later. I just went out and looked at the side walls again and noted the build date was 36th week of 2000, 3600..
I know I'm pushing it but was trying to get the last month out of these before the switch over to the winters.
I noticed the problem last month while on vacation 700 miles from home. I almost purchased new tires to come home, but again not thinking about how dangerous this is I drove home. I stopped every half hour or so checking the sides. Makes me half sick to think what could have happened. I noticed that when I pushed on the tread that water squirted out after driving in the rain..
I think I was very lucky because I was hauling about 1000 lbs. at 70mph in 90 degree temps. before noticing the proplem. I think this got the ball rolling and started the cracking.
Thanks again.

supr

You might continue to use the spare as such. Have your tire co. check it.
I would not run it with new tires.

CoastalDav

Had a friend with an 01 who bought 3 265's M/S Michelins. He had one that was in good shape and decieded to used it. It was a 2003 tire. He was coming down 95 about 3 months later when the tread seperated on the left rear, were he placed it.

It took out the entire quarter panel, the door for the fuel fill, the cap, and the left side rear view mirror. I never saw so much damage from a tire. He was lucky.

Dave

old 300

WOW !!! Thanks again for the info. This is what I like about this web site. I think that for every problem there is, there are many people that have had the problem or knows someone who has. Love it!!!
keep up the great work everyone.

Joe Diesel

I'd change them ASAP you donnt want a blow out while on a highway, you got more then enough out of your tires 9yrs on michelines should be a record. Truth be told I hated my michelines bad on highway & snow, tread was uneven, I got Toyos now & there much better IMO & cheaper then the LTXs.

old 300

Yup, they are out of there as soon as I get the time to get them off. I only use the truck on secondary roads ( 40-50 mph ) so the speed won't hurt them and no loads either. I won't be using the spare as to what some have stated about the age. I will keep my eye open over the winter for new tires, I think it will be something else this time.