Tyre degradation?

leaskovski · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:05

Hi All,

Stupid botty question coming up...

Do tyres generally degrade over time? Question is, one of my rear tyres has a slow puncture, and when I say slow, it usually takes 1~2 weeks to become noticable. I have had a agander around the wheel in question and cannot see any visible intrusions into it, so could it just be that the tyre has past its useable life? Or could it be something else i.e. the valve?

Being that it is christmas and I would rather spend my extra dosh on the family instead of lining the pockets of the owners of blackcircles.

Cheers

[TW]Fox · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:06

How old is it? Tyres do not have an infinite life.

IAmATeaf · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:07

Go to a local tyre fitter and see what they say and how much tread is left on the tyre in question?

[TW]Fox · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:11

IAmATeaf said:
Go to a local tyre fitter and see what they say

And when you've done that go and ask a double glazing salesman if he thinks you need new windows.

leaskovski · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:12

The tyre in question is on the rear and is quite old (heck, its only a crappy little corsa and I don't tend to drive like a boy racer), I would say probably about 5~6 years old. The tread is well within limits. I can't remember what the garage said was on it when it when in for new brakes last week when they ran a quick check on the car at the same time.

Dr Who · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:12

Let's go the whole hog and ask an estate agent if you need a new house

Janesy B · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:21

Could be a slow puncture or corrosion on the wheel causing the air to leak out.

Nick1881 · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:37

Are there any cracks in the rubber?

Tyres tend to go brittle over time and should be replaced replaced regardless of the tread left on them.

leaskovski · 30 Nov 2009 at 11:41

Yeah, from what I remember, this could be the case. Looks like a pair of new boots for the rear then. Ah well, that will be the cars christmas present sorted then

PhillyDee · 30 Nov 2009 at 12:13

Ive had a slow one for the past 3 weeks. Rubber has degraded on mine and will be replaced today. The reason for the leak however, is a nice nail in the inside wall. It probably needed replacing come feb/mar next year anyway.

If you doubt the integrity of your tyre, replace it. I was quite happy to keep topping up my tyre when I thought it was the valve (Happened before!). Will not drive it now I know it is a nail and the tyre is brittle. (Waiting for the garage to get a tyre for me!)