AboutBarry Smith Expertise I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and
testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800"
number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually
without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but
please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of
my work experience.
Experience Member SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers)
Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization)
SCCA Regional Competiton License holder
Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.
Expert: Barry Smith Date: 6/15/2008 Subject: Tire cracking and life
Question QUESTION: Hi Barry,
I have just acquired a car whose tires are said to be 'perished and cracking'.I do have some close up pics that I could send you if I knew your email address. However, you may not wish to divulge that (understood), but I am desperately trying to get an unbiased opinion that I can fire back to the seller of the car. He maintains that the tires are good, but I have serious doubts. from the DOT number it would seem that one tire was made in 1995 and the others on 2002. They do look bad to me, but I am no expert on the subject. How do we know when tires are past their sell by date?
Peter
ANSWER: Peter,
If you've read some of my answers, you'll know that a 13 year old tire should be replaced simply because of its age, and a 6 year old tires is at one of the borders (hot climate states)
But cracking can be a determining value by itself. If you what to emial the photos to me, try my Yahoo address: BarrysTireTech@Yahoo.com
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QUESTION: Thanks a million Barry - pics on way.
ANSWER: Peter,
I saw the photo and if this is the 13 year old tire, it looks exactly like I'd expect a 13 year old tire to look - and it confirms the reason why folks are discussing age limits on tires - This tire needs to be replaced ASAP!! And I would still need a photo of the 6 year old tires.
But if the photo is of the 6 year old tires - well, the tire needs to be replaced ASAP, but the cause is more likely underinflation, and not just time.
BTW, the British Rubber Manufacturers Association has issued a bulleting ststing that tires ought to be replaced at 6 years. Google and I'm sure you'll find it!
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QUESTION: Sorry to be a pest, but can you tell me what the tire pressure's should be for this vehicle? A 1996 Honda CR-V using 205/70 R15 tires. . It's nigh on impossible to get a straight answer from Honda - they are always refering you on the your 'local' dealer, which is my case is 150 miles away!!
Many thanks
Peter
Answer Peter,
On every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker commonly - called the vehicle placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size. The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box – but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.
I realize you are not in the US, but it is my understanding that pretty much all vehicles evrywhere have a placard. It is also my understanding that there are differences as to what tires may appear on a vehicle depending on where you are located. So you need to check for a placard - and if there is one, follow that specification.
But according to Tire Guides - which summarizes the placard for the US market - a 1996 Honda CRV came with P205/70R15's inflated to 26 psi.
