Tyre Dates and MOT?

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Just noticed the Toyo T1Rs on the Excel are dated '04. They were bought late 2004 as a new set so are now well over the 6 year replacement "rule".

Amazingly, the fronts look UNWORN!

The rears show some shoulder wear so I wouldn't be so peeved about replacing them but the fronts look like new mainly because the car is kept in a dark garage most of the time (no UV deterioration).

Has anyone's car passed the MOT recently shod with aged tyres?

ie Are the MOT men really failing them if over 6 years old despite appearing to be visually in A1 condition with tread as deep as the Grand Canyon?

[alanmoss]

I am not aware that there is an age stipulation in the MOT regulations, despite some tyre fitting companies stating that it is in the new rules.
It is about condition and legality (tread depth, not mixing tyres on the same axle, etc.). e.g. Cracking or similar should mean immediate change irrespective of tread depth and could fail the MOT inspection
I know of an Excel recently MOT passed with tyres nearly 10 years old, and having driven that car (not mine) I can say that they seemed fine, responsive and with good grip.
The car in question is low mileage and always garaged.
However, just as the legal minimum for tread depth is 1.6 mm, most sensible advisors would not go below 3 mm because of wet weather performance deterioration.
The same concept can be applied to age. They may pass the MOT but are they safe?
I would never take a risk with tyres as they are one's only contact with the road.

[Simpatico]

Toyos are cack in my experience, the sidewalls on mine always failed well before the tread. If I had any of a great age I'd replace them for peace of mind (and with another brand if possible) Again just my experience, don't want to get into a "Toyos are fab" battle.

[AndyC]

As per Alan's response, nothing in the manual.

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_410.htm

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Phew!

Thanks for that!

Because we have 4 cars to use in our household the tyres last quite a long time especially on the Excel and Clan. The Excels are 04 the Clan 06...just didn't fancy replacing eight tyres all at once.

205/50 R15 Toyo T1R all round on the Excel are OK in my experience especially in the wet.

Dunlop SP 9000 on the Clan are a better tyre though.

Gonna have to fit Caterham std fitment Avon CR500 205 /55 R13 to the Clan now 'cos can't get Dunlops SP 9000 in Clan size any more.

[MrCoolA]

Toyos are cack in my experience, the sidewalls on mine always failed well before the tread. If I had any of a great age I'd replace them for peace of mind (and with another brand if possible) Again just my experience, don't want to get into a "Toyos are fab" battle.

I understand where you are coming from with the Toyos i have had this issue but only on the back but i was running quite low pressure about 22 if i remember, but now always run 24+ now and not had the issue again..............but saying that i do like the tyres when i am driving, really good all rounder.

[Simpatico]

I think they rely on selling to "enthusiastic" owners who wear them out pretty quickly.