Related to my road trip plans, I took my car this morning to get an oil change. Responsible, right? Well, yes, but it had also been over a year (perhaps as long as two years) since my last oil change.
The service center just called me. Apparently, I "definitely need my tires replaced" before the winter (which I translate to: before I drive 1000 miles). They are dry rotted and the tread is worn. Why is this?
Because the tires have not been replaced (to my memory) since I got the car in July 1998. Yes folks, my tires are over 11 years old. And I have done very little to keep them and the rest of my car in good shape.
So you'd better call Car Protective Services to report some serious neglect.
Tee Hee Hee...CPS!!!!! I'm sending you some virtual cupcakes to take on your road trip to Florida...Low calorie, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Foster Ima,
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog for months, as I am both a prospective foster mother and a newly observant Reconstructionist (much more observant than the rest of our Reform family). But I digress.
Since you are buying new tires, I recommend that you make sure that the tires you are purchasing are actually "new." You can ask to know the Tire Identification number, which includes a year of manufacture.
Believe it or not, some tires are several years old at the time they are sold. And because tires have a limited life (before they become unsafe to drive on due to changes in plastic/rubber), it is possible that you would be buying new tires that are unsafe - even if they are unused! I saw a feature on the news about this. Unfortunately, I can't find the piece. I did find a web site with more information, sponsored by personal injury attorneys - but it appears to be accurate!
http://www.tire-defect-law.com/PracticeAreas/Aged-Tires.asp
- April
I think the recommendation is you replace your tires every five years, regardless of their wear.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I do that. (liar! liar!)