I have been told that a 5 year old tire should be discarded.
I personally have never done this, as I would be in the poor house.
I have never had a tire "come apart". This is in no way because I
baby my vehicles, but because I am always aware of the air pressure.
///////////////////////////////////////////////Just MHO!
            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Wed, 15 Sep 1999, David M wrote:

> Remember that the rubber compounds in tires deteriorates with age even
> if the tire is never used. So your 'brand new MXL' tires are not the
> same as new unless they were just manufactured.
>