2 in 1 on Tires and TPMS

[rphillips]

Opinions please. Wife bought a new Camaro SS back in 2000. I've been hearing a lot of talk, these days, about tires blowing out just from age. These tires are now 25 yr. old but still look new with only 14K mi., no cracks, dry rot nor no visible problems. So now debating on new tires, and while thinking about the tires, I'm realizing, as the tires have never been off the wheels, the TPMS sensors have never been touched but still working after 25 yrs. Should those sensors still be working, or might there be a fault in that system? What the heck to do, Hard to replace perfectly good (looking) tires, and Discount Tire wants $400 for replacing the 4 TPMS sensors... I hate that car.

[gustovh]

Are the tires still soft and pliable? Were they stored out of sunlight and weather? If so take that SS out to a burnout competition and have fun or just drive sanely and keep an eye on the tires. No reason for the sensors to go bad.

V

[Nessism]

I'd replace the tires, but the sensors should be fine. See how the sensors mount, and if they use rubber to seal, consider replacing the seals.

[storm 64]

I'd definitely do some smokey burn-outs before replacing!!!

[GS1150Pilot]

TPMS batteries have a 5-7 year lifespan. I'd never drive a car with tires older than 7 years.

[GS1150Pilot]

I'm surprised a 2000 Camaro even has TPMS.

[GS1150Pilot]

But I will go on record and say that one of the most enjoyable cars I've driven was a 2001 Camaro SS with the LS motor. It had a full exhaust, a CAI, and a tune and that mother ripped!

[rphillips]

I's like Pilot in one way, always thought those batt. were supposed to last 8 or 10 yrs. Not like Pilot in another way, he said "I'm surprised a 2000 Camaro even has TPMS", he nailed it again, they don't, I just went out and looked at the manual & not there. I'd never paid attention & only drove it a few times. I asked the Discount Tire guy and he said $99.99 pr tire, just assumed he knew... Still scratching my head, if one of them blows out and ruins a fender or possibly hurt somebody it'd be bad, way worse than buying a set of tires and I'm hearing lots of places about the newer more modern tires not doing good with age, unlike the old days when if they weren't dry rotted they were good to go. I dun'no. .. Thanks for the help.

[GS1150Pilot]

There are great tire choices for that car that won't break the bank, like the Hercules Raptis R-T6.

[rphillips]

Don't look like this Raptis T5 nor T6 don't come in 275/40/17 as this Camaro originally came with. Hate to say it, but "we" will probably never realize if we install the best or worst available. Will probably take a middle road, General G-Max or Uniroyal Power Paw, or Cooper Zeon. Wondering if anybody has personal experience, good or bad, with any of these 3? There are so many new tire brands that I'm not familiar with out there. Sumitimo, Verdesdian, Kumho, Fuzion, Nankang, hard for me to buy something I've not heard of.

[Nessism]

275/40/17

Are you sure? That tire seems way fat for that car.

Edit: found the specs, and you are right...

[salty_monk]

I have an Autel Maxi pad. Make your own sensors by cloning the OEM. They go for about $25-$30 each.

No way I'd be running those tires. You'd be lucky if they are not flat spotted & the rubber must be hard as a rock by now.

[rphillips]

Got the new Uniroyals installed, Uniroyals just because I wasn't comfortable with the odd name brands. Only difference I see or feel is in my bank account... Later, talking with my niece, she advised she always keeps her old tires and sells them to one of the local used tire places, it broke my heart. My old Super Dooper tires I took off looked great, she said they would have probably gave good money for them... Oh well, maybe when I need another set, 25 or so yrs. from now, I'll remember not to leave the old ones behind... Recently learned Walmart will replace your TPMS sensors, roughly $30 ea. installed. Discount tire is $99.