Do I really need new tires?

[syllybird]

My 2005 Anniversary edition has original tires with minor dry rot cracks, garage kept, just under 30,000 miles. I'm considering taking a long road trip. Thoughts?
Thank you!
Dee

[11TH GEN]

I would replace them Deitra. In several states a tire dealer can not even fix a flat if the tire is over eight years old.In addition if something were to happen with one that caused any damage you could have an overzealous claim agent that looks for stuff like that. In the long run you will be safer, the car will ride better and you can relax and enjoy the trip.

[wcoates]

I would replace them Deitra. In several states a tire dealer can not even fix a flat if the tire is over eight years old.In addition if something were to happen with one that caused any damage you could have an overzealous claim agent that looks for stuff like that. In the long run you will be safer, the car will ride better and you can relax and enjoy the trip.

What Ric said! And said very well!

[Mujiir]

Agreed. New tires. You have a lot riding on them. Cheap insurance at this point.

[Lakebum]

14 year old tires!

[2K2BIRD]

After 14 years you've got your money's worth out of them. In fact you have been on borrowed time for nearly half of that. There are lots of less expensive alternatives with good reviews on this site. Check out this thread for ideas:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...-us-talk-tires

[merlot4]

What Ric said, just do it, your life, and that of other drivers around you is worth far more. Then, have a great trip!

[007Cruiser]

Welcome Deitra! You see a consensus forming? Change them even if you decide to stay home.

[428PI]

I ran into a 2013 van with only 15k miles on Michelins but sidewalls and treads were cracking. Had a big chunk missing by rim bead. It got all new tires. Personally I'm running used Michelins on my bird but will replace them when I see cracking or older than 10 years or so.

[EllisonCal]

Looking at it from a true reward point of view, the new tires with softer thicker rubber will improve not only the handling but also the ride. It is a little like how you feel in new comfortable high quality shoes that feel good as soon as you put them on!

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

My 2005 Anniversary edition has original tires with minor dry rot cracks, garage kept, just under 30,000 miles. I'm considering taking a long road trip. Thoughts?
Thank you!
Dee

You need new tires now and I recommend these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-NEW-235-5...53.m1438.l2649

[Howlandd]

Old tires often suffer from ply separation. Very dangerous at highway speeds. In general 9 year old tires are unsafe. Enjoy your new tires and peace of mind.

[hippy_mailman]

no such thing as "minor" dry rot. no way to tell how deep or where it is worse or better. those tires are detrimental to your life, and your Thunderbird. changing them should be your first priority before driving any more at all

[darsinewman]

I just replaced mine last month, and my car had 3,800 miles on it. Zero visible dry rot (garage kept, yada yada), and it broke my heart to have to shell out money for new tires when the old ones still looked perfect, but I was afraid to drive it at highway speeds due to the tires' age. So yes, I'd replace.

[RustyFrye]

..... those tires are detrimental to your life, and your Thunderbird. ...

And in other unselfish news....Not to mention the results of a high speed blowout that possibly sends you careening into oncoming traffic where a semi creates a Thunderbird pancake or you plow into a mini-van wiping out the Brady family on their way to the HGTV premiere of their sitcom home rebuild.... (Sorry, must have watched Death Race 2000 recently with commercial interruptions)