Tire Dry Rot in Florida?
 

Is this common in Florida. Husband was at Ford dealer yesterday and was told all 4 tires need replacement due to dry rot in the tread. We purchased these Michelin tires in 2013 here in Florida. Not much mileage on them. Car kept in garage. Is this common here in Florida? Never experienced this up north. So every few years one has to replace tires not because the tread is worn, but because they rot from the heat??? Dealer said this is very common due to the extreme heat here. Geez...

I was sprucing up a Toyota Van for a friend who doesn't drive anymore and reported to him everything is operational except the Michelin tires look like garbage, Lots of treads but the sidewalls are not good. He checked the records and the Van has about 4000 miles since the tires were replaced 7 years ago. It has to be from the heat and sun. He saves the car for when he gets visitors. I wouldn't take it on the highway or to far at all.

Get a second opinion at Sams. Good Luck.

News to me. I've lived here since 2014, and keep both vehicles outside 24/7. No issues.

Here is a link to some tire information!

How Long Do Tires Last if Not Used? - Tire Reviews, Buying Guide & Interesting Facts - Utires.com

This is definitely a real thing. My tires that were relatively new, with not that many miles on them, had severe checking/dry rot. I was shocked. This NEVER happened up North. Something to keep an eye on especially if you are driving at high speeds on hot pavement.

My '99 Miata had Michelin tires and they started cracking around 6-7 years old. There seems to be a problem if you don't use it you lose it.

Very interesting article Fredster, Thank You.

Maybe it is a Michelin thing? I had purchased a set of Top Line Goodyear tires in 2009 on a Ford Flex and that car was outside all the time and no sidewall damage at all and over 75,000 miles when I replaced them with some new junk tires because I was selling the vehicle.

I have Yokohama tires now and they will be replaced By Goodyears at 30,000 miles.

My opinion
 

I would get a second opinion.

Like anything else, when a tire is safe and when it is not is a guess. It is not like it is safe today and tomorrow it must be replaced.

FORD was recently running a Television ad about buying tires from Ford. I will guess with that they are running some dealer incentive program.

Possible but not likely. Check the tire manufacture date. The last 4 digits of the tire serial number. More likely is a tire that was in a warehouse for some time before being installed. Access Denied

Absolutely true, read the link below. BTW, I wouldn't consider 6 years a few years.

Solution Center - Tips, Advice, and Ideas | Angie's List true, read the link below. BTW, I wouldn't consider 6 years a few years.

It's true, tires are designed to be used often and not be sitting for very long periods of time unused in a very hot garage or in intense sunlight. Florida is not a good environment for tires, unless you use your vehicle often and wear them out from driving before the dry rot gets them. Cracks in the sidewall are a telltale sign.

Take the car to Wildwood Tires. They are trustworthy and will give you a truly honest opinion.

The only thing I know about flat tires is they are only flat in one spot!

When you buy a new car, you should check the date code on the tires to see when they were made, especially if you are buying last year's model. The car manufacturer does not provide the warranty for the tires like the rest of the car. In fact, there is no guarantee that the tires on a new car were even the same tires that the manufacturer installed in the factory. The car dealer could have switched the tires and still sell it as a new car.

You're not going to believe this! FRance we took your advice and went to Wildwood Tire. They examined the tires and said"I'd love to sell you tires, but there is nothing wrong with your tires. " He then asked what made you think you had dry rot? Husband then related the story about Key Scales Ford. We don't know who to believe anymore. 😵:ohdear:

I'd trust Wildwood Tire. I think the dry rot is BS.

I bought a new car several years ago, and within 6 months, I noticed a rough ride and excessive road noise. I took it to a good mechanic and he said the tire tread was starting to separate. I replaced the original Continental tires with new Michelins, and the car became so smooth and quiet that it didn't even seem like the same car.

Boy O Boy is that great news or what. I'm going to take our friend's van for an inspection. Fingers crossed for him. :pray:

The Sidewalls just look terrible.

I warned Dale Earnhardt about this as far back as '99. Didn't listen.

I would believe Wildwood Tires. They have nothing to gain by telling you that you don't need new tires. I don't know where Key Scales Ford is but I would stay away from them for service.

I think that dry rot, or whatever you want to call it, is a real thing. But, I don't think it has anything to do with Florida. Tires can deteriorate no matter where you are, if they are old and you haven't been using them. I have been to Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, and the Middle East, and they drive their cars until the tires are bald and their weather conditions are much worse than Florida.

Bad vibes from Key Scales Ford----I wouldn't go back there on a bet.

:agree:

Dry rot happens when rubber sits, unmoving, on concrete for extended lengths of time. Happened to my bicycle up north. The bike shop told me to keep the bike off the ground in the winter, and it'd extend the life of the tires a couple more years. Concrete absorbs the moisture/oil/whateveritisthatyouneedtonotbedry.

Always park on carpet if possible.

I agree.

But then I cant get to the couch.

I replace my tires every 5 years regardless of wear or dry rot. Usually they are worn enough by then and need replaced. IMO the most important thing check tire pressure at,least 1 month. Low tire pressure makes tire run hot. IMO this causes the tires to break down quicker. IMO when temps go up and down. You loose about 2 psi month.