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MG MGB Technical - When is it time for new tires?

Hi,

A person in my community recently passed away due to a crash from a tire blow out.

I drive my MGB at most a few hundred miles a year. There is plenty of tread left on the tires, and they look almost like new. They are more than 5 years old, though.

Is there a time when the tires should be replaced regardless of wear?

Thanks.

Bob

Bob Meyer

Tyre manufacturers recommend somewhere in the region of six years, I believe.

I would be inclined to replace them by the time they're 10 years old, but it depends on usage and storage. If the car is kept garaged, away from sunlight, they are probably less likely to degrade than if the car is kept outdoors.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks for the quick response. Have a great weekend.
Bob Meyer

Tyre manufacturuers would tell you every year if they thought they could sell more tyres-
Once a year I'd pump them right up like 40-45psi or so and have a really good look at them for cracking in the walls and between the treads -If they're ok as in no cracking at all, then you're set for another year.
They'll show signs of cracking well before they're going to be dangerous.
William Revit

Most sources say 5 to 10 years with some saying as low as 3 - the lower ones aren't always manufacturers. Visual appearance is crucial, but even if there are no signs of cracking or crazing wet grip reduces over time.

My 6 year-old Mercedes received advisories for crazing on all four tyres this year. It's parked in the same position as two previous cars where one side is in full sun for most of the day and the the is in shade - crazing more noticeable on the sunny side. The other cars didn't get that before they were due for replacement from wear. Two MGBs are garaged and no signs of crazing on those even when older than 10 years.

Conclusion? A reduction in the quality of the rubber as with so many other products.

Some sources still recommend moving the tyres (wheels) including the spare round the car, even when you can physically do that it increases the wear rate and you get the hit from all four (or five) at the same time.
paulh4

I recently replaced 11 year old tires on the midget. The tread was worn, albeit evenly enough.

What amazed me was how much the driving characteristic improved. The ride is much smoother (like having new shocks), and it is like having power steering, even when the car is not moving.

I had an old Michelin ZX spare for years that I kept properly inflated. The tire seemed fine until I needed to use it. Once the flat tire was changed, I lowered the jack only to find that the inner tube bulged through a completely rotten sidewall and the tire disintegrated on the spot.

I have decided to replace the tires on both the B and the Midget regularly, if nothing else for the joy of improved handling and ride quality.
Glenn Mallory

I did a track day at Donington Park in my Midget and I kept being passed by a very fast MGA. The driver told me later in the day that his tyres were 17 years old!!
C Hasluck

If it's kept in the dark and does few miles they are probably better than new.
paulh4

This thread was discussed between 26/07/2025 and 22/09/2025

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