Tire Question

[John Baringer]

Bought used 1994 Viper, not real sure of history on tires. Car has 8700 miles, lots of tread. How do you know if tires need replaced.

Thanks

[LiquoRT/10]

Buy new ones. Its not worth the risk. Tire Tech - Determining the Age of a Tire

[wigginz]

Agreed, a new set of tires made the biggest difference out of all the mod I've made. Your ride comfort will be much better, less tire slip when you get on the accelerator, better grip when cornering. Miles mean nothing when you talk about older tires. If your tires are more than three years old you're risking a lot by not replacing them.

[2snakes4us]

are the tires XGT?

[chimazo]

From Michelin's website:

"Each tire has a required Department of Transportation (DOT) number imprinted on at least one of its sidewalls. That number begins with the letters "DOT" and may contain up to 12 additional numbers and letters.

The first and last digits are the most important:

The first two letters or numbers identify the manufacturer of the tires.
Prior to the year 2000, the last 3 digits of a DOT number represented the week (2 digits) and the year (1 digit) of production. So if the last three digits are 439, the tire was produced in the 43rd week of 1999.
Tires produced after January 1, 2000, have a 4-digit date code at the end of the DOT number. The first 2 digits represent the week of production and the last 2 digits represent the last 2 digits of the year of production. So, 3500 indicates the tire was produced in the 35th week of the year 2000."

Most experts will advise keeping tires no longer than 5-6 years regardless of tread remaining.

[djacob372]

Originally Posted by wigginz

Agreed, a new set of tires made the biggest difference out of all the mod I've made. Your ride comfort will be much better, less tire slip when you get on the accelerator, better grip when cornering. Miles mean nothing when you talk about older tires. If your tires are more than three years old you're risking a lot by not replacing them.

Actually it depends a lot about how they were stored--3 year old tires could be dry-rotted badly, whereas 7 year old tires could be just fine. But since he doesn't know, yes I agree with replacing them. Better safe then sorry.

[93VIPERBOY]

I have Original 93 tires on mine. I am now replacing them with PS2's

[plumcrazy]

absolutely replace them, regardless of miles.

[John Baringer]

Originally Posted by chimazo

From Michelin's website:

"Each tire has a required Department of Transportation (DOT) number imprinted on at least one of its sidewalls. That number begins with the letters "DOT" and may contain up to 12 additional numbers and letters.

The first and last digits are the most important:

The first two letters or numbers identify the manufacturer of the tires.
Prior to the year 2000, the last 3 digits of a DOT number represented the week (2 digits) and the year (1 digit) of production. So if the last three digits are 439, the tire was produced in the 43rd week of 1999.
Tires produced after January 1, 2000, have a 4-digit date code at the end of the DOT number. The first 2 digits represent the week of production and the last 2 digits represent the last 2 digits of the year of production. So, 3500 indicates the tire was produced in the 35th week of the year 2000."

Most experts will advise keeping tires no longer than 5-6 years regardless of tread remaining.

Took some pictures of the numbers. On the passenger side, I see DOT numbers, on the drivers no DOT numbers. Need help!

All Tires are Michelin Pilot Sports

IMG_0947.JPG

IMG_0949.JPG

IMG_0955.JPG

[John Baringer]

Originally Posted by chimazo

From Michelin's website:

"Each tire has a required Department of Transportation (DOT) number imprinted on at least one of its sidewalls. That number begins with the letters "DOT" and may contain up to 12 additional numbers and letters.

The first and last digits are the most important:

The first two letters or numbers identify the manufacturer of the tires.
Prior to the year 2000, the last 3 digits of a DOT number represented the week (2 digits) and the year (1 digit) of production. So if the last three digits are 439, the tire was produced in the 43rd week of 1999.
Tires produced after January 1, 2000, have a 4-digit date code at the end of the DOT number. The first 2 digits represent the week of production and the last 2 digits represent the last 2 digits of the year of production. So, 3500 indicates the tire was produced in the 35th week of the year 2000."

Most experts will advise keeping tires no longer than 5-6 years regardless of tread remaining.

Originally Posted by John Baringer

Bought used 1994 Viper, not real sure of history on tires. Car has 8700 miles, lots of tread. How do you know if tires need replaced.

Thanks

Also wanted to know if these rims where a option in 1994? Or are they from another model year?

IMG_0951.JPG

[REDSLED]

Those are from 96-98. You do not have the original tires that came with the car. Those were XGT's. You have Pilot Sports. The codes will determine how old the tires are. Old, hard, tires are not good for a Viper.

[2snakes4us]

those Rims were not a option in 94.sorry. i think those GEN2 gts rimes

[B767DRIVER]

I believe they were manufactured the 25th week of '05

[John Baringer]

Originally Posted by Harleyman

those Rims were not a option in 94.sorry. i think those GEN2 gts rimes

That is what I thought. Do not like the rims on the 94's. That was one of the reasons on buying this one.

[John Baringer]

Originally Posted by B767DRIVER

I believe they were manufactured the 25th week of '05

I am wondering why I do not see these DOT marks on the Drivers side. Would they be on the inside of the tire?