they were on his car for the 15 years, maybe 10K on them, no outward signs of trouble. they probably got weak at the cords and let loose. i personally would not run tire that are more than 10yo, even if they look new, maybe on a trailer queen or a car that puts around but not on one that's going to be driven over 40mph for any length of time, I mean whats a set of tires for our cars $400 or so? better than ripping out a quarter panel and wheel well