How old are my tyres?

[7oaks]

Hi All

Is there a way of telling how old Avon ZZS tyres are by looking at the numbers and codes on the sidewall?

The Avon website indicates a 4 digit window after the DOT marking but I couldn't see such a window on my tyres.

Thanks

[Tazio]

I know I have a set on mine which were made in week 22 in 1984, though I must say the car was parked up in a garage since 1987....

[Tazio]

Oops

[Iamscotticus]

I know this is not a polite answer, but its has some truth... If you know they are old, and don't know exactly how old, don't trust them. Buy new rubber.

Safety, first.

[aerobod - near CYYC]

The date code may be on the inside of the tyre(s), turn the front wheels out to get a better look. it is a 4 digit number with the first 2 digits indicating the week of manufacture and the 3rd and 4th digits indicating the year.

[7oaks]

The car is a 2016 and it has done 8000 miles, what I don't know is if they are the original tyres.  Also don't actually know how old is too old!

[aerobod - near CYYC]

If the tyres have been well cared for (properly inflated and not always in direct sunlight), 6 years from the date of manufacture is typically a good guideline. If they have been in a garage for most of their life without too much in the way of temperature extremes, longer life is possible.

[Iamscotticus]

remove an air valve from the stem and compress the tyre down with weight or against a board with a ratchet and strap. where the side wall bludge and creases, inspect for signs of cracking. If the rubber has lost enough elasticity to split, I wouldn't trust them.

[7oaks]

Thanks, found the 4 digit code, was on the inside of the tyre I was looking at!

June 16 for the rears and April 17 for the fronts.

Suspect they are the originals.

Have a track day booked for June, would you put some new ones on?

[aerobod - near CYYC]

If there is no cracking in the sidewall and there is enough tread, I'd be fine using those tyres for a track day.

[ScottR400D]

I'd be happy with them. In fact I have a set of 2015 ZZRs that I'd be happy to track. They've been stored inside all their life and are fine.

I was in the tyre business for 25 years. 

[7oaks]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[nickh7]

How do you get 8k miles out of a set of tyres on a 7 . Asking for a friend.

[7oaks]

I'm guessing they're original given their age and age of car but I haven't had it long so don't know for sure.

[7 wonders of the world]

One other thing to check is the rubber valve, they have  habit if cracking at the point they exit the rim, a gentle bend and examination will show any problems.