8.8KVIEWS
15REPLIES
21APPRECIATES
07-29-2025LAST POST
I’ve got a lower utilized m3 with Michelin Pilot 4s that I got new 7 years ago in 2018. I’ve probably put 7500 miles on them during that time so tread depth is great.

Experts say that 6 years is time to replace no matter tread depth.

Are you low mileage drivers following this rule or pushing it out?
ATLIEN wrote
I’ve got a lower utilized m3 with Michelin Pilot 4s that I got new 7 years ago in 2018. I’ve probably put 7500 miles on them during that time so tread depth is great. Experts say that 6 years is time to replace no matter tread depth. Are you low mileage drivers following this rule or pushing it out?
From the Michelin website linked below:
Ten years is a maximum: If the tires haven't been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well."
https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-buying-guide/when-do-i-need-new-tires

From my own personal experience it really depends upon how the tires have been used and stored. Regarding storage: If the tires have been kept away from ozone (think L.A. atmosphere and nearby electric motors), stored unloaded, away from direct ultra violet, and away from high humidity then tire life is typically enhanced via reduced oxidation and stress.
DrFerry wrote
From the Michelin website linked below:
Ten years is a maximum: If the tires haven't been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, as a precaution, Michelin recommends replacing them with new tires. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator. This applies to spare tires as well."
https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-buying-guide/when-do-i-need-new-tires

From my own personal experience it really depends upon how the tires have been used and stored. Regarding storage: If the tires have been kept away from ozone (think L.A. atmosphere and nearby electric motors), stored unloaded, away from direct ultra violet, and away from high humidity then tire life is typically enhanced via reduced oxidation and stress.
Good deal. My vehicle is garage kept so all good. Maybe I’ll throw a few more miles on them this year.
For additional info on this topic, I just ran ~7 year old Michelin PS4’s at the track last week that have seen about 13K miles, and are garage kept and stored during the winter in the garage in totes. During my pre-track inspection, my shop said they look good. No dry rot or anything like that. They held up great. Probably will replace them next year just due to age, but so far so good.
PACarGuy wrote
For additional info on this topic, I just ran ~7 year old Michelin PS4’s at the track last week that have seen about 13K miles, and are garage kept and stored during the winter in the garage in totes. During my pre-track inspection, my shop said they look good. No dry rot or anything like that. They held up great. Probably will replace them next year just due to age, but so far so good.
I’ve done the same thing with 10yo tires that were stored in my finished lower level. No noticeable reduction in grip.
here in asia, the weather is really hot and humid, I personally don't use any rubber more than 5 years... the recent crash of Diego Jota (RIP) has got me thinking about the tires I use... and I don't want risk anything after seeing his crash ):
sillym3 wrote
here in asia, the weather is really hot and humid, I personally don't use any rubber more than 5 years... the recent crash of Diego Jota (RIP) has got me thinking about the tires I use... and I don't want risk anything after seeing his crash ):
Good point. I’m going to replace mine out of a matter of caution this Fall. Will “enjoy” them this summer.
5 years max is my guideline.

I was instructing a 135i on the track. The guy spun on the out lap - 7 corners, came in and then spun again - 10 corners. He didn't even complete a lap! 2019 DOTs on PS4S. I told him his tires were no good. Then the guy wanted to argue with me that his tires were stored indoors in climate control.

Might be ok on dry, warm roads casually cruising. They will certainly not perform well if pushed at all. I would not trust them in the wet either.

PS4S are good at many things, growing old is not one of them. It is their worst trait. If I ever garage my car, I'm throwing on a 200tw tire that will wear out in 5k-10k miles.
bigjae1976 wrote
5 years max is my guideline.

I was instructing a 135i on the track. The guy spun on the out lap - 7 corners, came in and then spun again - 10 corners. He didn't even complete a lap! 2019 DOTs on PS4S. I told him his tires were no good. Then the guy wanted to argue with me that his tires were stored indoors in climate control.

Might be ok on dry, warm roads casually cruising. They will certainly not perform well if pushed at all. I would not trust them in the wet either.

PS4S are good at many things, growing old is not one of them. It is their worst trait. If I ever garage my car, I'm throwing on a 200tw tire that will wear out in 5k-10k miles.
Great advice.
bigjae1976 wrote
5 years max is my guideline.

I was instructing a 135i on the track. The guy spun on the out lap - 7 corners, came in and then spun again - 10 corners. He didn't even complete a lap! 2019 DOTs on PS4S. I told him his tires were no good. Then the guy wanted to argue with me that his tires were stored indoors in climate control.

Might be ok on dry, warm roads casually cruising. They will certainly not perform well if pushed at all. I would not trust them in the wet either.

PS4S are good at many things, growing old is not one of them. It is their worst trait. If I ever garage my car, I'm throwing on a 200tw tire that will wear out in 5k-10k miles.
yup, really solid advice. talking about the ps4s, I'm wondering when the replacement will be released.. I saw an interview that the PsS5 will NOT be the replacement for the ps4s, and that its replacement is yet to be announced...
bigjae1976 wrote
5 years max is my guideline.

I was instructing a 135i on the track. The guy spun on the out lap - 7 corners, came in and then spun again - 10 corners. He didn't even complete a lap! 2019 DOTs on PS4S. I told him his tires were no good. Then the guy wanted to argue with me that his tires were stored indoors in climate control.

Might be ok on dry, warm roads casually cruising. They will certainly not perform well if pushed at all. I would not trust them in the wet either.

PS4S are good at many things, growing old is not one of them. It is their worst trait. If I ever garage my car, I'm throwing on a 200tw tire that will wear out in 5k-10k miles.
You sure your student wasn’t just a ham fisted/ham footed driver? 😆
PACarGuy wrote
You sure your student wasn’t just a ham fisted/ham footed driver? 😆
No…the tires were rock hard.
bigjae1976 wrote
No…the tires were rock hard.
Interesting. I wonder then if they really were stored as he said, or whether they had spent some time in the elements.
My late 2018 PS4S rears were still quite grippy last time out and it wasn't a particularly hot day. To be fair, though, I have a set of 200tw tires coming for my next HPDE in August ;)
PACarGuy wrote
Interesting. I wonder then if they really were stored as he said, or whether they had spent some time in the elements.
My late 2018 PS4S rears were still quite grippy last time out and it wasn't a particularly hot day. To be fair, though, I have a set of 200tw tires coming for my next HPDE in August ;)
It was an N54 135i in immaculate condition. Didn't look like it was stored outside in tx heat. I'm sure it drove fine on the street, he drove it to the track.

Also have to consider how much ABS and traction control is kicking in. I would guess he drove to the track with DSC on which may have been intervening without his knowledge. DSC can mask worn out tires unless you are driving very aggressively.
bigjae1976 wrote
It was an N54 135i in immaculate condition. Didn't look like it was stored outside in tx heat. I'm sure it drove fine on the street, he drove it to the track.

Also have to consider how much ABS and traction control is kicking in. I would guess he drove to the track with DSC on which may have been intervening without his knowledge. DSC can mask worn out tires unless you are driving very aggressively.
Yeah, that's fair. DSC is sneaky good.