how old is "too old" for rain tires

[sdog30]

Like it says, is there a general rule of thumb or does it depend on the brand? I've heard rain tires are so soft that they don't go bad like regular tires.

Really would like to hear from experts (Kurtz, etc.)
Thanks.

[wheelieman14]

I used an old Michelin rain tire that had no signs of wear, but the rubber compound hardened up a bit. Normally, I feel pretty comfortable running at NJMP in the Rain on Thunderbolt course, but with this particular "old" tire, I lost my confidence when it started slipping in the turns. Best grip is going to be during the first 3 or 4 years of life and I'm sure there are certain conditions that will make them age sooner.

[tsorfas]

When I bought some used rains I asked mike Kurtz for advice. This is what he told me: "It definitely depends on storage. If they were stored in a moderate climate, wrapped, and away from electric motors, I would not hesitate to use rain tires that have been around for 5 years, depending on the wear of course. Beyond that, I'd be concerned and would replace them regardless of what shape the tire was in. While modern race tire rubber is pretty advanced and not inherently subject to decomposition based solely on a few years time, at some point the confidence of having a fresh set is well worth the cost."

[sdog30]

I'm looking at a new set, but they are older. Kept in climate control, but not wrapped.

[tsorfas]

I'm looking at a new set, but they are older. Kept in climate control, but not wrapped.

whats older? climate control = temp and humidity id feel safe enough

[Trouble]

I finally broke down and bought new rain tires this fall. The tires I had prior were purchased used and I owned them for 5 years. The date codes were more than 10 years old and I was still able to drag knee in the rain. Come to think of it I never crashed with them on. Maybe I should have kept them... I replaced them because they were getting very shagged. I never wrapped them but I also never left them in the sun at the track and they lived in my heated garage in the winter, up off the floor.

[Chippertheripper]

It's all in how you take care of them.

I've ridden, and crashed, on rains as hard as marbles. Straight locked up the front going into 3 (saved that one, but crashed on the next lap).

[TTD]

I would think you could feel any serious degradation. In other words, if the tire is in ambient temps of 70+ degrees, you should be able to feel the tread blocks being very pliable. If they don't feel soft and mushy, then I would say you will notice a decrease in performance when using them.

Having said that, a "crappy" rain is still going to be way better than a fresh non-rain. I've used some real old rains at a trackday with no problem - but if I was racing for position or championship, I would want the good stuff.

I don't think you can put a hard "expiration date" on them.

[SVRACER01]

Wirelessly posted (GS3)

My rain tires are mounted on rims...unwrapped...in my trailer...outside. I think I bought them in 07. I can still drag knee in the rain on them.

[keeena]

Sam, you're definitely too old for rain tires.

[sdog30]

Sam, you're definitely too old for rain tires.

Thanks guys. I'd be buying them over the world wide web, so can't really look at them very closely or feel them.

[kumpy]

What the reasoning for wrapping up tires while in storage?

[GixerJockey]

What the reasoning for wrapping up tires while in storage?

To keep the rubber-burrowing insects out. Those little bastards can consume almost 50% of a rain tire over the course of a winter.

[sdog30]

To keep the rubber-burrowing insects out. Those little bastards can consume almost 50% of a rain tire over the course of a winter.

I just use bounce sheets