old tires

[cweaver22]

I just purchased a 2005 viper with 26,000 miles on it. the rear tires are brand new but i'm not sure if the front tires have ever been replaced. there is still some life left on them but i read in another thread that old tires can be just as bad as worn tires.

is there a way to tell by the numbers on the side of the tire when they tires were manufactured?
should i replace them?
the back tires are kuhmo ecsta and the fronts are michilins, if i replace them should i get matching kuhmos?
if i keep the fronts, does having different brands in the front vs. the back matter?

 

[Steve-Indy]

Here is a link to Tire Rack that will help you determine age of tires:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11&

Most folks will agree that you should not run different brands on front than on back.

Purists will add that all four corners should be same brand, similar age and wear status.

Do yourself a safety favor and consider above.

 

[CEJ]

I'd swap the Michelins for a pair of fresh Khumo's that are a match for the rear tires.

 

[JustinB]

Check the actual age using the link above and even then I agree with CEJ, just match up the Khumo's

 

[cowger]

Just got my '05 and found '09 tires on the front and '08s on the rear. All corners have plenty of tread, but how do I tell if they are hockey pucks or still okay?

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[Dom426h]

What tires are on there? runflats?

 

[cowger]

What tires are on there? runflats?

First off, cweaver, sorry for the hijack, but hopefully it's relevant... : )

Tires are Michelin Pilot Sports.

 

[jckrieger]

Get Kumhos for the front. They will outperform any other tire, and match what you have in the rear. They're not terribly expensive either. I'm running the 295/35/17's.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Kumho is going away as a supplier of Viper tires, so you should check quickly with Tire Rack, VPA, etc. to see if you can grab a pair.

Otherwise the new Michelin Pilot Super Sport is out and it may pay just to get a new, full set.

Good luck.