Tires? Topic is solved

[utilityaudio]

Hi folks,
I've only owned a car for a couple years, I have never bought tires before, ever.

I own a '98 S70, and my car needs tires, the tread is fine, but they're old and the sidewalls are cracked and deteriorating, the front passenger tire isn't holding air so well (pictured), and I'm not so comfortable with driving highway speeds on them any more.

as you can see, it's a set of Michelin's, marked P195/60 R15 87S.
the only problem I have with just buying more Michelin's is that neither Costco nor my closest NTB have them in stock, and probably won't be able to get them before Wednesday. I don't want cheap tires, I want something that will ride nice, and last a while (and survive the roads in Baltimore)

so, I'm looking for recommendations for All Season tires, and maybe where to buy them. (or even just a "you'll be fine, don't over think it" if that's appropriate)
if it matters, I live near Baltimore MD.

Thank you for your time

[scot850]

I was concerned at first when your info description says mid-Atlantic. I would have suggested water wings instead!

Can't suggest on where to buy tires in your area, or for that matter in the US. Only large place other than those you mention would be Tire Rack on-line, but the delivery time would be the issue.

I have Pirelli Tires on my car and have a liking for Toyo as well. Both brands have been good to me over many years along with Michelin. Dunlop also makes good tires. Problem is as you want tires in a short time frame which is not always available in the size you need these days.

Do you have any local discount tire suppliers, like up here we have Tire Pirates and several other chains like Canadian Tire who sell tires and occasionally have deals on a week to week basis.

Many may disagree, but I believe that tires are good for a 5 year span or a mileage basis if you do a high annual mileage. As we use winter tires in my household, we change our rims/tires over approx. ever 6 months. My tires therefore usually never where out but rot out. I am lucky as I can store the tires and rims out of sun-light in the off-season when not in use so the ultra-violet rays don't brake down the rubber so quickly.

The tire you show looks like it has either been run very low on pressure/kerbed/sat near something hot to get the sidewall looking like that. When buying tires as when the tires were made. Most tires of a decent quality should have a date code on the sidewall. Often it is a 4 digit number in an oval near the rim with WWYY. WW = Week of manufacture in the year and YY = Year of manufacture.

Rubber continues to harden for up to 10 years so even a 5 year old tire is way poorer than a one year old tire for grip.

Some discount and major suppliers may supply you with tires that are old (a year or more) if a tire size is not one of the popular sizes so check what you are being sold.

Hopefully one of our US based or East Coast US based members can chime in with supplier recommendations.

Good Luck!

Neil.

[abscate]

I believe you are front wheel drive so you don’t have to match tires

All season tires are three season tires but when it snows In Baltimore you should be off the roads anyway, so they are great for that’s area.

I run Cooper on three of my fleet including my T5. That’s a low cost brand that run 30-40k miles Per set. That’s 6-7 years for me since I run winter snows half year. I have a local dealer who does lifetime flat and balance around the corner, so convenience is a factor for me.

Pirelli Michelin Toyo Dunlop. All good brands.

I would bet that tire sat for a while and the Rubber rotted from lack of internal lubrication

[June]

My preference is Michelin. June

[FlyingVolvo]

I just got new tires from Costco, Michelin Premiers, good stuff. Just order them from Costco and drive carefully in the meantime.

[Rattnalle]

"All seasons" are really "no seasons". Useless in snow and much worse than proper summer tyres as long as it isn't freezing..

And quality tyres don't age nearly as fast as is usually claimed. Though this is highly dependant on climate.

That said the important part is the measurements and the speed and load indexes. Match those and any quality tyre will do you well.

[abscate]

The industry started inventing the “ five year rule” about 20years ago.

With snow tire replacements my tires last ten years, all the drama about blowouts and catastrophic failure is fear mongering to sell crap. I’ve only had punctures from road hazards even on my old tires

Most extreme, trailer tires from 1976. Thirty years later , still hold air. ( now only used for storage and 100 meters to ramp)

[Rattnalle]

The industry started inventing the “ five year rule” about 20years ago.

With snow tire replacements my tires last ten years, all the drama about blowouts and catastrophic failure is fear mongering to sell crap. I’ve only had punctures from road hazards even on my old tires

Most extreme, trailer tires from 1976. Thirty years later , still hold air. ( now only used for storage and 100 meters to ramp)

They'd be more than forty years old by now

Sure rubber ages but I've had well stored Nordic winter tyres that were still fine after ten years (90% of tread left).

[abscate]

They are like AC clutch bearings - time not turning doesn't count

[utilityaudio]

According to the date code that Scot850 pointed out (1003), the tires are 15 years old. I bought the car a couple years ago at 72k miles, so it definitely spent a lot of time sitting. It is front wheel drive, the rear wheels have different tires and are in better condition but still show some of signs of being older.

I probably will just order the Michelins from Costco and drive carefully until they're in. Seems to be an unusual size, most places I've called or searched online carry limited inventory if they have anything in stock.

Thanks again!