K02 - life (in years)?

[Dan Lee]

Can't believe how fast time has flown. Seems like yesterday that I had bought the K02s for the LX570. It's now 7 years later! However, I haven't driven it much, especially the past few years. I think I've only put about 5000 miles (maybe less) since the tires were installed.

What's the life of these AT tires? For passenger cars, I think there is a rule of thumb of 7 years or so (but I've always worn tires to replacement w/in 3-4 years). I'm pretty sure I have less than 10k miles total on these tires, and probably closer to 5k.

Do I need to start thinking about replacing them (just for age, not for mileage; tread depth is fine, as would be expected)? Or how do I know it's starting to hit its age limit? Planning a higher mileage trip and would not like to have tire issues.

Usage is mostly road, boat ramps, beaches (sand, wet sand), fire roads/rough roads, low rocks / steps. No rock crawling (no skills, no upgrades). So, some articulation and ambitious non-pavement where cars won't pass. But nothing that requires skill or modifications from stock.

 

[Sandroad]

I’d first check on the actual age, since some tires are not fresh when installed. The date code may be on the inner side if you can’t find it out the outer side.

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/how-do-i-determine-the-age-of-my-tires#

I replace trailer tires at 7 years. Don’t know about KO2.

 

[bloc]

Your issue would be less the off-road performance and more the safety of driving down the road and a) the tire not coming apart (very unlikely) and b) the tire performing as you expect when traction is required (more likely, look into tire age as a factor in why Paul Walker died.)

What @Sandroad said about determining the actual age, then do your research into what the industry suggests. People’s experience running just fine on 20-yr old tires once wouldn’t be enough to convince me to do the same.

Tirerack says some auto manufacturers (the people that have arguably the best insight into how traction effects all of the safety systems) suggest 6 years, but TR also say tires can go 6-10 depending on storage conditions and other factors. So they use that range (which seems to add some subjectivity into the decision.)

Do they still hold air as-new?

 

[hoser]

My personal limit is 10 years from the born on date for tires that are garaged and used for spirited driving, aired-down or towing (not trailer tires, those wear faster). I also live in a very mild climate.

 

[Dan Lee]

Thank guys. So, 6-7 years is consensus with 10 years the upper bound? The LX is parked in a garage - it gets sweating hot but it's out of the direct sun. Would air-down in sand but don't do it often these days.

I checked the date code - looks like average about 7 years (1 year extra for the 5th tire I bought 1 year later during rotation).

So, as long as road traction and braking seem okay (initial symptoms that the tire is getting old), tire should be okay to use?

 

[BadReligion]

UV exposure is a big factor too. If garaged for the past 7 years, I would run them for another 1-2 years, keeping an eye on any sidewall cracking. If they sat outside in SW sun, I'd replace them.

 

[Sandroad]

Thank guys. So, 6-7 years is consensus with 10 years the upper bound? The LX is parked in a garage - it gets sweating hot but it's out of the direct sun. Would air-down in sand but don't do it often these days.

I checked the date code - looks like average about 7 years (1 year extra for the 5th tire I bought 1 year later during rotation).

So, as long as road traction and braking seem okay (initial symptoms that the tire is getting old), tire should be okay to use?

Some trailer tires get age-related cracks in the outer casing, which oddly enough are worse the less a tire is used. With only 5000 miles over 7 years, look real carefully at the sidewalls and tread.

 

[Sandroad]

And if the tires turn out to be bad, I’ll take the LX off your hands to save you the hassle of getting new tires.

 

[Dan Lee]

Yup, mostly garaged. So, I'll risk another year and trip - I guess keeping an eye on the sidewall and tread for anything that doesn't look normal? I'll look at my trailer tires too - good reminder.

Sandroad: Thanks for the offer - new tires are a hassle (and expensive). But I'd hate to make you go through title changes and finding insurance.

 

[04UZJ100]

5 years regardless of miles.

Better. Safe. Than. Sorry.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

I put a new set of KO2s on my 60 back at the beginning February. I have put about 8k miles on them since that time. One has developed a bad vibration at speeds over 50 mph. I rebalanced the tires and the issue persisted. After I swapped out the offending tire with my spare the vibration went away. I will not be buying KO2s again.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

20 years plus in Alaska or Hawaii. I've seen them go that long in both states. Drive'em until they're almost bald.