how time and no driving effects tires

[dsm5150]

the car i just picked up had sat for roughly 4 years.how would that effect the tires?what should i look for?the car runs great but seems to have a shimmy/vibration on the freeway.could it be from sitting for so long and not seeing normal driving?

 

[KazooGS-T]

The two things that I, would do. 1)Check to see if the tires or valve stems are dryrotted (Cracks all in the tires or valve stems, speaking it could cause a blowout or tire failure) and 2) Go get your tires balanced. That is most likely what the vibration you are talking about is. Other than that, it could be a bent rim, or warped tire.

 

[Defiant]

Those tires are scrap. Are they stock wheels?

 

[SleeperG]

let yoru tires sit like that for too long and they dryrot, look for small cracks in the rubber,

the vibration most likely is from developing a flat spot in the steel belt, balancing won't fix this.

time for new tires.

 

[dsm5150]

damnit,i wanted to get rim/tires all at once.guess ill have to check craigs list for a deal

 

[RipperXX]

Even if they stayed inflated the whole time I would be suprised if there not flat spotted.

 

[jtmcinder]

For the archives: how well a tire will survive long periods of just sitting there depends on whether they are inside or outside (since UV is bad) and whether they are periodically re-inflated and rotated (since sitting flat in one place is bad).

- Jtoby

 

[roadrunner2176]

Don't drive that car on the highway until you get new tires. Your spare is probably safer than those tires. Even if their not suffering from dryrott a tire has a lifespan of about 10 years. Check the expiration date on the tire. If the car sat for years and the tires were half used, maybe 2 years old, your 6 years into them, and if they sat outside on the ground its even worse.

The vibration is more than likely a flat spot which won't come out, or from the belts separating from the tire itself. Either way, its not in any way safe. You might as-well check your wheel bearings while your there.

If your looking for rims and tires, try tire rack. Their having their annual closeout and new model sales.

 

[TSG59_Steve]

Tire rack FTW. Full set of tires for under $400 with warranty, can't be beat.

 

[dsm5150]

checekd the tires out today in better light.cracks all over the inside of the tread.also,the treadis HARD.normaly you can get a little play just pushing.nothing

 

[adidalax]

Check your ball joints & tie-rod ends too

 

[WatchItExplode]

Check your ball joints & tie-rod ends too

since you mentioned it, I'd drain out the old gas and change the fuel filter. Unless of course the car was sitting for 4 years with NO gas in it...

 

[dsm5150]

did a oil change,filter,plugs,wires and leak test. now i just need to find someone in the sacramento or san fran area with a set of used tires to donate.dropped the $$$ on the car and i cant get new rims/tires yet.so if anyone has a set of used tires(hell 30% tread i dont care)ill come and pick them up