Are these tyres too old?

I bought some tyres off ebay not so long ago as I'm looking to do a europe trip, I went to have them fitted yesterday, when i came to collect them, the guy said that they felt hard so he checked that date stamp on them and it said 2008! He said they've probably been left out in the sun.

I've tried them out in the wet and the dry and they feel absolutely fine to me, done a few emergency braking and they feel fine.

Would they feel dodgey right off the bat, or is it something underlying that'll pop up a thousand mile down the road?

He fitted them anyway so I'm assuming they're not downright dangerous?

What brand are they? I'd check the manufacturers website...Also, are they new? Used?

As a guide, Michelin reckon 10 years is time to change a tyre regardless of condition by the looks of it. They also state that tyres with 5 years usage need to have annual checks/inspections.

http://moto.michelin.co.uk/advice/bu...hange-my-tyres

[yorkie_chris]

Personally, I'd just use them.

Now you've used them a bit do they still feel hard? Sometimes they might feel a bit wooden especially in the wet.


Nothing underlying. They're not that old. I had some early 90s ones on my XJ... they were dire!

[21QUEST]

They'd be fine.