Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Folks,
Just inspected Jethro's tyres today and although the tread depths are fine at over 6mm the sidewalls are showing cracks around the entire circumference.
I assume this indicates that the tyres are quite old and probably need replacing which I intend to do anyway as I would like to change to radials. Until then is it safe to drive the car with the boots in this condition or is it a definate No No?
Cheers [frame][/frame]

If the side walls are cracked then stop driving and change the tyres ASAP. Cracking is a definite MOT failure and could lead to endorsed licence plus fine, and possibly invalidate your insurance; quite apart from the danger to you and other road users.

If a tyre is flat then moved whilst flat it causes the wall to shred and will start to crack that is the main reason for a good tread and a bad side wall .Age is another factor. side rubber is much thinner than tread rubber.

it more than likely down to age and sunlight on the tyres causing them to crack

Could just be 'sidewall veneer cracking' due to sunlight and ozone... Inspect carefully to see if it is just a surface effect. But most likely they have been run with too low tyre pressure, which flexes and overheats the sidewalls = severe structural cracking.

This page will help you tell how old they are. All tyres have a date code.
http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html
I have some 25 year old tyres (not in use, I hasten to add) that don't show any splits. Would I use them? Definately not!
I wouldn't use tyres over 7-8 years old. My MG had 10 year old tyres with good tread when I bought it and the difference new rubber made was astounding!

A lovely car like yours deserves new tyres

Thanks Folks, I will be getting the new tyres fitted soon.

You know it makes sense. Did you work out how old your tyres were?