Originally Posted by TJP
After reading the leno article I was just thinking about how the quality has slipped on rubber in general, like ball joint / tie rod end seals and Suspension bushings. Doesn't seem to matter what the brand is. I've seen name brand rubber components / parts fail within 3 years of install.
The originals lasted years. The newer cars to my knowledge don't have this issue. So is it the sources supplying these components at fault? trying to keep this politically correct whistling wink
Could tires also be following this same path ?

The above is true of heater cores and many other parts as well.
If a tire has never been mounted and stored in a climate controlled environment is it going to deteriorate at the same rate as a daily driver parked outside? Think of all the motorhomes (YIKES) there's some 💲💲💲💲💲.


Like most things these days, if a manufacturer can save a fraction of a cent on anything, they will.
Fool with compositions, eliminate a supposedly not-needed element, etc.
1 less belt loop on pants, tag on pair of briefs, etc.