Age of slicks
 

Have a chance to buy a set of Mickey Thompson slicks that are about 20 years old and never mounted. They look and feel good. Are they safe?
Thanks.
Pete

Re: Age of slicks
 

NO Sir pass on them regardless of how they feel. It is not worth the risk

Re: Age of slicks
 

It's not a direct comparison, but it should give you the answer.


I bought a new 16" trailer tire and had it properly aired, mounted & balanced, storing it inside a garage or the trailer the whole time. I didn't need it till about 6-7 years later. Still looked brand new. But within 1,500 miles, the tread peeled like a banana. I rode on the inflated steel belts for about a mile or two until I found a place to pull over to change it.


Rubber dry-rots over time and it doesn't matter that it may look good.

Re: Age of slicks
 

Guy at the tire dealership told me that tires have about a 10 year safe life span. Rubber being a natural material was the reason he gave me.

Re: Age of slicks
 

I don't know if there is any truth to it, but I have heard that some of the additives that were once used in tire compounds to prevent dry rot have been outlawed by the EPA. My past experience would support that theory.