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How Long Should They Last??

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78MGB

78MGB

Jedi Hopeful
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Greetings,

Put on a new set of tires this Spring and WOW what a difference. The other tires still had tread, but I have no idea how old they were. About six years is what I understand the longevity of tires regardless of tread.

SO, I was wondering about radiator hoses, fan belts, etc.

Thanks for the input!!!
 
Like your experience with the tires, things like hoses can look good and still be functional long after you expect them to fail. It all depends on the composition of the elastomer and the reinforcing fibers in each. Your tires may still have been perfectly functional, but as tire compound ages it often gets "harder" making it feel like it's loosing its grip.

I don't follow a set age limit on rubber parts. I do a visual inspection and then follow my instincts. If I'm going to worry about the part failing, and this diminishes my enjoyment of driving, I replace the part.
 
[ QUOTE ]
If I'm going to worry about the part failing, and this diminishes my enjoyment of driving, I replace the part.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sage advice indeed, dkl.

Now, where ARE those catalogs.
 
Each time I buy an old car as my MG the first thing I do is to replace close to all the important rubber parts. Specially on an MG since they are so cheap to buy.

My initial list:

All hoses including rubber brake hoses.
Suspension bushings
Motor mounts
Fan belt
Tires (unless they are totally new)
 
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