Replace battery and tires due to age?

Question

I recently decided to purchase a impressively well kept Toyota Avalon of 2000 vintage. The car is in great shape, but there is a little possible problem with the car.

The owner only managed to put 29K miles on it and as such only did minimal maintenance on the car, oil changes and tire rotation. Knowing a little about cars, I know that car batteries and tires, even if not heavily used are recommended to be replaced at around the 5 or 6 year mark.

This car has all original parts, battery and tires included. I'm wondering if this recommendation is a rule of thumb, or should I follow it strictly and go ahead and replace these parts even if they don't appear to be in bad condition.

Mike

Answer 1

Sounds like a good buy. Tires can dry rot. So if the car was outside or sat idle for weeks at a time, you might have dry rot. Have a tire store take a tire off the rim and see how it looks inside. They may be OK. Battery -check the fluid level (if possible) and have it tested for output charge. If it works OK then keep it for another year.
For sure change the oil and filter, radiator flush and fill, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Some will say you don't need to change the brake or steering fluid, but those can get water in them and just brake down as far as lubrication or performance in hot or cold weather or on long drives.
Change the air filter and if it has one the cabin air filter.
Check the spare tire for air pressure. Put some high quality carb cleaner in the gas tank. Run the heater at high heat and medium fan speed for at least 10 minutes. This will get radiator fluid through the heater core.

Answer 2

If you replace them now you lessen the chance of it letting you down on a dark cold rain night.A battery will last slightly longer than 5 years and may give no notice of failing.Tire will give signs of age checking and cracking on the sidewall and tread,or worn to wear bars . Any quality auto shop or tire shop can make the call on the tire but the battery is anybodies guess.If its lasted 5 years time for new one.

Answer 3

Tire do not need to be replaced unless the tread is at an unaccepable thickness or they are damaged such as dryrot or puncture. The battery is not an item that should be replaced because of time, you can have a mechanic test the abtery, if the batt does not meet t he required specs than it should be replaced, if it does than you are good to go.

Answer 4

If peace of mind is important, replacement is a good option especially if you live in an area with moderate to severe winter weather. I wouldn't want to deal with a flat or a car that wouldn't start during cold or inclement weather.

Batteries and tires due deteriorate with age even if they aren't being used. You should also look at the fan belts and check for cracking.

Answer 5

Go to a reputable repair shop (preferably someone you have used ), they will usually do what they call safety checks for no charge which includes tire for wear and damage. The battery can be tested, they will test the voltage as well as do a load test (which is more accurate for the testing the health of the battery).

Answer 6

Remember Anthony Hopkins in the movie Instinct when he had Cuba Gooding around the neck?I'm just trying to be extremely vauge and answer your question at the same time.I mean what you are basically asking is are the tires safe.I wouldn't throw the battery out.

Answer 7

I would recommend you take it to a tire shop in your area and ask this question - they'll inspect the tires most likely for free and give you some advice... if you find a good one they'll be honest with you. They can also run a "battery" (HA!) of tests on your battery to see if its still up to snuff.

Answer 8

I'd replace the battery but if the tires arn't weather checked I'd probably keep them on.