2009 production tires too old?

[tdinfl]

Hi,

Tire Rack has a closeout on Hankook R-S3s in my sizes, for basically half price. But, it specifies that they are 2009 production dates. That seems like a great deal, but I'm wondering if I should expect any issues from them being so old? Appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
TD

[Loren]

Tire Rack keeps their tires in an air conditioned warehouse, so they MIGHT be okay. I took a gamble on a set of 2007 close-out Goodyears in 2011 (from TR) and was pretty disappointed, though.

If you're buying them for autocross, I think I'd pass. For street use, they're probably just fine.

The grippier a rubber compound is, the quicker it gives up some of that grip to age. A set of RS-3 or similar that's been on your car for a year (even if you don't drive it much, and don't put a bunch of heat-cycles on them) will be notably less grippy than a new set. I would expect the same of a set that's been on the shelf for 3 years. They're just not "fresh" any more.

For half price... they surely won't be "half grip", though. Like I said, fine for the street. But, if your competition has fresh, grippy rubber and you want to compete... probably not.

[tdinfl]

Thanks Loren. That's kind of what I was thinking too. Plus all the new tires that came out this year seemed to be pretty significant improvements. Unfortunately, most of them haven't come out in 19" sizes yet, so my choices are a little limited. I really liking the Michelin Pilot Super Sports I have on right now, but they're more of a daily driver tire too.

Great time on Sunday, you sure had some tough competition in S2!

TD

[twistedwankel]

Hi,
Tire Rack has a closeout on Hankook R-S3s in my sizes, for basically half price. But, it specifies that they are 2009 production dates. That seems like a great deal, but I'm wondering if I should expect any issues from them being so old? Appreciate any advice.Thanks,
TD

Get them shaved to 6/32" for $25/tire. That will expose virgin rubber, remove any mold release compound and the tires will probably last longer due to less heat buildup. 1/2 price is huge!! If you don't like them after a dozen runs someone will gladly take them off your hands for that kind of savings. UV light is the biggest degrader of tires and these, as mentioned, are indoors in AC.

I'm going to go look and see if they have any in my sizes. Can't have too many sticky tires:)