Recommended tyres please

[P3Steve]

I'm getting a bit worried about the age of the tyres on my P3 they were on it when I got it so must be over ten years old and (like always with low use classics) although the tread is fine I can see a few hair line cracks in the side wall of two of the tyres, whats the story on these guys, the tyres have tubes, the car never dives over say 65 mph and at the last mot the tester didn't seem to worried when I pointed them out to him (yes I know - pointed out a fault) if I have to replace them which I feel I might do this winter what make of tyre do you recommend? looking on the Longstone classic tyre site they have a 600x16 Avon tourist for £101.50 or a same size Excelsior for £85.50 Dose this sound about right, the car only potters around Norfolk and is never driven hard and the tyres will no doubt perish before wearing out as they seem to have done this time so I don't think I need to spend mega bucks but your advice would be most appreciated on tyre type and suppliers. Its on Avon's at the moment.

[47p2]

Cracking of the sidewall is a common problem with a car that is only driven occasionally.

I think I'm correct in saying that 10 years is the recommended time span for tyres and should be changed at this interval

Why not have a tyre expert check them over to assess whether they need to be changed before spending money

[Phil - Nottingham]

I think 10 years is a good guidleine for life - the rubber hardens and will blow out - not sure at 60/65 mph this would be a good experience.

I think Excelsiors are good I have had some 17" ones from Longstone on my 16 for the last 3 years I think - not many miles but still look as good as new.

If you look at tyres on most older cars at classic cars shows you can understand why their drivers do not go above 30 mph!

I had a front tyre go on my 16 going round a roundabout - not going very fast but alarming enough even so. I also suggest new tubes and rim tapes (if wires on)

[Rubythursday]

I have excelsior on my 16 for last 3 years, excellent tyres, I did fit new tubes as well. The previous Avons were really badly cracked after 5 years, not microcracking but big cracks, which is what made me change to excelsior.

[P3Steve]

Thanks chaps looks like the Excelsior is the way to go.

[P3Steve]

I think 10 years is a good guidleine for life - the rubber hardens and will blow out - not sure at 60/65 mph this would be a good experience.

I was thinking more of the speed rating of a new tyre when I made the reference to 65mph not a safe blow out speed