FBHVC in classic tyre safety call
Findings from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) suggest that a third of classic car enthusiasts don’t know how old their tyres are.
Out of 3400 surveys received in its Ownership Costs survey, 33 per cent of respondents didn’t know how to tell a tyre’s age from the code on its sidewall.
Communications Director, Geoff Lancaster, said: ‘We’re quite shocked - but not at all surprised by the findings. It’s simple enough to work out, given prior knowledge, but it’s something every historic vehicle owner needs to know – especially with the modest mileages clocked up by many classics. It can be many years before tread depth becomes an issue with seasonally stored and driven cars – by then, the tyre’s probably too old. It would be great if we could pin down experts and law makers as to when a tyre becomes “too old”’.
CCW has previously highlighted the safety risks of using old tyres by carrying out braking and handling tests; our MGB GT, in a controlled braking test, took a third longer to stop from 50mph on old (but legal) rubber than on freshly-fitted tyres.
Longstone Tyres managing director, Dougal Cawley, said: ‘ To be honest, most people wondering about the age of the tyres on their classic already know they’re past it; they just want validation. Tyres start deteriorating the second they’re fitted to the car and their life is shortened if they go through extremes of heat cycling – for example, if a car is in storage for a long time between bouts of use in summer.’
‘ The only instance in which I’d advise using a tyre over ten years old was in a static concours display – if it was impossible to get new, or if judging paid close attention to original specification.
‘I sympathise with people who think it’s a waste throwing away tyres with decent tread over ten years old, but they are past their best by then.’
❚ fbhvc.co.uk
❚ longstonetyres.co.uk