Re: Long term radial safety?

Posted by BH On 2013/11/15 19:34:14

I don't believe for a NY minute that the problem with sidewalls degrading is limited to radial tires.

I have a Goodyear Eagle ST radials on a couple of my old cars (not Packards) that are over twenty years old, and the rubber is just as pliable as new - with no cracks. Yet, because of susbsequent (other) problems with their product on daily drivers, I'm no longer a customer.

Meanwhile, we recently replaced a set of Uniroyals (after not quite six years of use) on my dad's daily driver because the tread - though not down to the wear indicators - was insufficient for getting around on snow. Good thing though, as the sidewalls were cracked throughout. I've heard similar complaints in past years from owners with Michelin tires.

I've also heard rumor that that manufacturers have, in recent years, altered the formulation of (synthetic) rubber so that tires degrade more quickly, rather than fill up landfills with mosquito breeding grounds.

Rumors are just rumors, but where there's smoke, there's fire.