I have Michelin Defenders with a lot of tread left on them but the tire guy at BJ's Warehouse Club says they have to be replaced since they were made in 2016 I say bull*hit since they are not worn out or even close, what is the consensus on this?
'05 Vibe Tires OLD?
- Thread starter Cycle Freak
- Start date
Not far from aging out.
Actually doing really well for Michelin, they like to crack. given their tendepancy to do that, i’d err on the side of “it’s time”.
Just changed out a set of Michelin Premiers that were 9 years old. I know what people say about Michelins cracking but these tires still looked perfect without any cracking. Still had good tread but changed due to old age.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2022
Michelinman says:
https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-buying-guide/when-do-i-need-new-tires
2. Ten years is a maximum
If the tires haven't been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well.
https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-buying-guide/when-do-i-need-new-tires
2. Ten years is a maximum
If the tires haven't been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well.
Or a car dealer if you need a new car.
How is the cracking on them? 
Do they still have decent traction in the wet? If yes, I always run them until they don't have good grip in the wet. The tires on that car live a pretty easy life IMO, sudden catastrophic failure isn't likely at all in normal usage, again IMO.
If it was for your constantly speeding wife who does 95mph in Texas heat in her roll over prone SUV, while ignoring any and every warning light on the dashboard... then maybe older tires become more of a risk....
If it was for your constantly speeding wife who does 95mph in Texas heat in her roll over prone SUV, while ignoring any and every warning light on the dashboard... then maybe older tires become more of a risk....
The auto industry consensus ranges between 6 - 10 yrs. 2022 - 2016 = 6 years, so you have reached the 6 - 10 year age range, even if on the low end of that range. That being said, you may have to shop elsewhere if that shop insists on a 6 year limit and you disagree with their opinion.
Depends on a few things. Do you use UV protectorate on your tires? is the car parked inside. Even at that is the sidewalls are checkered is it worth your or a family members life? You can find some pretty reasonable deals on tire in your size.
Here's my take:
If you live in a hot climate (AZ, CA, TX, NV, or FL), then the limit is 6 years. If you live in a cold climate (MN, ID, ND, WI, or MN), the limit is 10 years. States in between are ..... ah....... in between.
SE Michigan is about 9 to 10 years. My guess is that the guy is quoting the short side of the recommendations because he has nothing to lose if he does - plus he has now informed folks to be aware.
If you live in a hot climate (AZ, CA, TX, NV, or FL), then the limit is 6 years. If you live in a cold climate (MN, ID, ND, WI, or MN), the limit is 10 years. States in between are ..... ah....... in between.
SE Michigan is about 9 to 10 years. My guess is that the guy is quoting the short side of the recommendations because he has nothing to lose if he does - plus he has now informed folks to be aware.
I would think garage/outside parking would matter as well, both in terms of temperature extremes and UV exposure.
I just replaced a set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 that were a bit over six years old and beginning to show some cracking. I had also noticed a tiny bit of shimmy at certain speeds. Could’ve been balance. Either way, while the cracking wasn’t terrible, the car is big, heavy, and fast, so I prefer good rubber.
Noticeable improvement in ride and smoothness with the new set of Pilot AS4.
So, yes, at six years, in a warm climate, with the car parked outside, the tires were degraded.
I just replaced a set of Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 that were a bit over six years old and beginning to show some cracking. I had also noticed a tiny bit of shimmy at certain speeds. Could’ve been balance. Either way, while the cracking wasn’t terrible, the car is big, heavy, and fast, so I prefer good rubber.
Noticeable improvement in ride and smoothness with the new set of Pilot AS4.
So, yes, at six years, in a warm climate, with the car parked outside, the tires were degraded.
When were they put in service?
Mine? 6 years ago. Date code of 6.5 years ago.
Oh I meant the originals posters, looks like Michelin dumbed down their webpage to an “inspect by a professional” annually post 5 years in service. However their position used to be that 10 years post manufacture was a hard limit and 6-7 in service was limit, this allowed for up to 3 years in storage which they said was possible for slower moving sizes.
Be interesting to call and see what they actually tell you on the phone, though I wasn’t impressed last time I called.
