I am not a vintage car collector - I just never felt like selling my original RX7 so now I have one by default.
Anyway, since I don't drive it much the tires have not worn and it has been about fifteen or more years. They look fine - no cracking - garage the whole time and aired up correctly all that time. Is there some hidden danger or are they OK to drive on?

Thanks, Jon

 

Was just contemplating this same question on an antique car of mine.
I'm not a tech, but it's my understand that the rubber oxidizes over time and the compounds harden. Performance suffers and they tend to make a lot more noise. Process is not avoided by being in a garage but UV exposure accelerates it. Plies may separate or deform from sitting that long. Personally I wouldn't plan on any long trips at high speeds, especially in hotter conditions. If you were just going around the neighborhood on the occasional test drive and at low speed, your probably fine. But if you plan on driving it any more, I'd get a new set. I'm having to add air to mine much more frequently these days. A small PITA and I assume that's age related too.

 

..hmm..tell your Grandmother to Carry you to the store and see how that works out for ya.
(sort of a weird statement but I think you'd get the point).
if not Here read this!!
Tire Industry Group Resists Push for Expiration Dates

I wouldn't trust tires that are over 5 years.
Internally you do not know how they are.Externally they could be fine,but really It's your life you are putting on the line.
I kind of like staying vertical and breathing,so I'd bite the bullet and get some decent rubber..

 

Good info. Thanks.