Do I need to replace my tires? Please help

greenagate99

I have a 1999 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, which I inherited in 2011 (I believe). It had new tires at the time. Today I looked at my tires and all of them has cracks on and among the treads. The tires did not give in to me pushing on the sides (they felt rock solid). I've had trouble getting around in the snow this year (compared to previous years). We live on a hill, and every exit out of our neighborhood is a hill. I have had to go downhill recently, because my car couldn't get up the hill (though it could previous winters).

Should I get my tires replaced? I may be getting a new vehicle in the spring or summer (I'm not sure).

greenagate99

The tires were manufactured on the 22nd week of 2008 (if that makes any difference).

Mr_Shiftright

You might find THIS ARTICLE from Edmunds helpful.

greenagate99

greenagate99

Mr_Shiftright said:

You might find THIS ARTICLE from Edmunds helpful.

I just added photos, and found that my tires are around 8 years old.

stever

Any tire over ~5 years old is suspect, depending on what source you use. Yours look pretty bad....

texases

Yep, replace them, besides age the tread is too worn for use in snow. They are just about to fail the 'quarter test'.

Mr_Shiftright

based on the photos, I'd say they've had it. They're probably hard as a rock, too.

capriracer

Yes, replace them. The key is the cracks on the face of the tread. That's an indication that the tread rubber itself has deteriorated. The other cracks are just worrisome.

Just an FYI, my take on the issue of how old tires can be allowed to get before being replaced just due to age is this: If you live in hot weather states - AZ, CA, NV, TX, and FL - then the limit is 6 years. If you live in cold weather states - MT, WI, MN, TD, and ND, then the limit is 10 years. States in between are ...... ah ...... in between.

greenagate99

I did end up getting new tires the day I posted this. Thank you all for the input!

stever

+1.

carboy21

Old tires become rock hard and loose traction and need long braking distance and will hydroplane in water.