Question for tire expert.

[Klaus E.]

Have been offered a set of Good Year run flat tires with 7K miles on them, but they are 13 years old. According to the owner, they have always been garaged; not seen much sun. No external cracking visible, insides look ok as well. Price is right, but they are 13 years old. Can they be trusted on the highway? Any advice would be appreciated. Local tire dealers are not much help. They just want to sell new tires......

Thanks

Klaus

 

[Hib Halverson]

Understand that using tires that old can be risky especially if you drive fast or you take long trips in hot weather.

Besides the safety risk, expect 13 year old tires to to ride slightly more harsh than the C5 runflats do when they are new and to not handle near as well as new tires.

You say the tires' external appearance is good. If you're a gambling man, I'd buy them but only if the price is really low. Personally, I wouldn't pay much more than 50 bucks each for 13 year old tires, considering the risks and the ride and handling compromises.