These are 265/70R16 tires that came off of a 2002 4Runner.

What causes this kind of wear, and is it just cosmetic? My guess was a close encounter with a curb. Is the integrity compromised? Can it be sprayed with a rubberized product?

Any insight appreciated!

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It does look like an abrasion to me. Even if your tires have usable tread remaining, they should be replaced due to age after 6-10 years (check with manufacturer).

I would not run those on my vehicle, I’d replace them.

Ok, but trying to understand the wear pictured. Is it just a thin cosmetic black layer of rubber that has been removed, revealing the whitewall beneath it?

Also, can anyone decode "DOT R88Y" for me? (different tire)

Maybe swing into a local tire shop… they can surely answer both.

hitting curbs , curb rash from parking to close to a curb

Doesn’t look lik curb rash to me. Looks like the sidewall peeled off. How old is the tire? Should be a date code. Did this tire sit a long time flat?


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But is it structural or cosmetic? That is a thin layer of rubber peeling off, I *hope* it isn't structural!

The tires are like 10 years old, but tbh, they are in better shape than what's on my car (and I don't know the age of my tires).

They were cheap enough that I figured I could use them until I decide on which new tires to get.

Deciding which tires to get has been a rabbithole and I suffer from indecision and procrastination.

The wheels are the same Tacoma wheels that I have, so figured it'd be handy to have an extra set so that if/when I get done futzing around with my car, learning stuff, and trade up (a whole year!) to a 2002, I can keep my new tires (assuming I get around to it before then) and put the spare set on the outgoing vehicle.

I don't drive very much, fyi. Got my 4runner *the day* covid was announced, so it's been in lockdown with me and we never really reverted. But that may change soon, we'll see.

So...is it cosmetic or structural?

Im sitting here literally shaking my head….

The fact that the tires are “peeling” should be obvious enough, but since they are 10 years old, replace them.

If it’s a money thing, check Craigslist or OfferUp, where you’ll surely find some 4Runner take-offs for cheap.

LOL, that's where these came from, CL.

Yes, the age is an obvious issue. But a thin rubber layer being scraped off by, probably, a curb encounter?

Living in poverty means not always being able to drop a grand whenever, y'know?

I get it man, but stock tires can be had for 200-250. I wouldn’t drive with tires like that.

Agreed. The tires are the only thing connecting you to the road. One thing I wouldn’t risk are the tires and the other being the brakes.

I get being poor (I’m there right now), but other things are priorities like life. Not just yours, but your family and others on the road with you.

Be safe.


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for the record, a tire expert told me 8 years is the life of rubber. That includes the spares in your trunk. Anything more than that is a risk. I had a "new" spare tire roll off the rim once.

I went racing with near 20 yr old slicks. Not only did they not hook up, but put the driver in the other lane at risk! NO BUENO!

Buy cheapo ass Chinese tires. They are safer than old tires.

Well that was going to be my next question.

So here is my dilemma: do I continue riding on my current tires, unknown age but visibly bad condition, or do I put these 10 year old tires on, until I can get some proper tires? I got these as a stop-gap measure but now I'm hesitant to even put them on. I can't find out what a "DOT R88Y" code means, to know how old my tires are. I might guess it means 2008, which would make them even *older* than these other ones. But ?

Wait….you bought those tires after seeing them in this condition?

i should clarify, a tire pro told me eight years is max on life, used or as a spare. hence my prior comment. To remove any racism, the cheapest new tires maybe much safer than tires of an unknown age. IMHO everyone should be a bit of a "rubber nazi" regarding their tires.