What’s the age limit for a tyre?

I had four new Michelin tyres (205/60R15) fitted to my 1998 BMW 323i Coupe in 2009. Since then I have only covered 14,000 miles, yet comments from a recent MoT test note that 'the tyres are perishing and splitting around outer circumference between sidewall and tread' however this did not give rise to an MOT failure. Should I be worried and under normal circumstances what is the anticipated life of a tyre?

Asked on 28 August 2013 by Chud

Answered by Honest John
Cautious 'Tyresafe' advice is that tyres should be replaced after five years.
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