Hi Folks,
If I was to buy a car from 1991 could I assume all the external rubber parts were mostly perished?. As a general opinion. For example, I'm a carpenter so if someone said to me here's a 100 year old house with creaky floors I'd say the ferrous nails have probably rusted in the hardwood joists - so as a general rule can you say the same thing about rubber?. Without the science of moisture, temperature, UV light and all that?.
Thanks.
It really depends on the environemnt (especially the temperature and UV light). But on the other hand, you should keep in mind that rubbers deteriorate over time too.
No.
To be slightly more verbose than Doc, I'd say that the serviceability of any rubber bits over 10 years old would be questionable, and they should be closely examined to determine if they require replacement, especially show-stoppers like coolant hoses, drive belts and tires - look for cracks, softness or bulges - just like looking at an old house's floor joists.
Yes. Mostly perished
Hmm. x2 answers based on personal knowledge that require me to use my brain. And x2 binary answers that expect me to just make a decision.
Right...I'll probably buy the car and damn the consequences. I'll put aside £3000 or so to replace rubber parts and if it costs more I'll come crying here and you can all laugh at me.