That is an interesting video clip.
Not to dilute the severe risk associated with tire failure, how many MILLIONS of tires are currently (a) in service, and (b) on store shelves that would be considered "too old" - and compare that with how many tires actually fail within the population of millions? I should take note for myself: My '55 Belvedere has 20-year-old tires installed so, by definition of the 20/20 video, it is a rolling death trap by its tires alone.
As usual, the mass media has presented an issue almost entirely one-sided. The US rubber spokesman asked a very good question in return, "What SCIENTIFIC basis is there for imposing an age limit on tires?" - but he was given very little air time, relative to the air time given for the "other side" of the story. The casual viewer may construe the rubber dude as unsympathetic and/or callous, but let's stick to the facts. If tire age was the leading factor in the failures that have resulted in tragic accidents, SCIENCE would dictate that there would be MILLIONS of tire failures (and accidents) every year.
There are many other factors to consider that contribute to a fatal vehicle accident. Notice that most (if not all) the vehicles shown were SUVs or vans - vehicles with high centers of gravity compared to normal passenger cars. Unfortunately there are MILLIONS of SUVs/vans in this country, and there are some with better handling characteristics than others. What about vehicle speed? What about inflation pressure? What about accelerated wear due to misalignment? What about the tire load (weight on the tire; was the wrong load-rating tire applied to the vehicle)? Are there only certain tire brands/model families that have proven more susceptible to failure than others? What is it exactly about age that allegedly makes the tires more susceptible to failure? Does this age factor do more damage to unloaded/unused/unsold tires than to loaded/used tires?
Remember the Firestone/Ford fiasco from a few years ago? Isn't this 20/20 issue pretty much the same thing - but with a new title? (Yes, the unfortunate subject family's car was a GM Astro/Safari minivan.) Whatever was resolved with the Firestone/Ford issue?
Anyway, 20/20 does do good to raise awareness of the issue, but it falls short of presenting facts. I, too, would like to learn more about the issue, before running to a tire store in vain hysteria to replace tires just because they are old.
Jason.
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