[BigKutta]

So I had picked up a set of used 437s as a winter set last year. I dont know the full history of course, but I believe I'm the 3rd owner, with the last two guys being F8X enthusiasts. The wheels are probably 5 years old (I'm not sure one can tell from the marking in the back). After removing them off my 20 M2C, and putting the 788s back on for the summer, I am seriously considering making the 437s my summer set and moving the 788s to winter. So, question for you all. Is it stupid to make 5 year old wheels my summers and put my relatively new 788s to winter duty? Here in the DC area, winter tires can be on the car for 4 (maybe 5) months, so maybe I'm overthinking it? I will have my wheel guy thoroughly inspect the 437s to ensure they are in excellent condition. Looks wise, there are excellent, no curb rash, dings (my 788s actually do ) etc. Ceramic coated and pics below. Thoughts?

[swampfox94]

For the wheels I can't see why age would matter especially since you got them inspected and they're in good shape. Tires I usually try not to run super old ones since they can crack if not stored properly. You should be good to go! I'll be on the lookout for your m2 with 437s in the area 😉

[robertm]

In your lifetime have you ever heard of a wheel just randomly failing? (Insert exception to this rule in the replies below ;-)

Unless it was installed improperly or had damage from some event those wheels will out live you.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by robertm

In your lifetime have you ever heard of a wheel just randomly failing? (Insert exception to this rule in the replies below ;-)

Unless it was installed improperly or had damage from some event those wheels will out live you.

Agreed. I'm pretty happy with their condition so dont anticipate any issues

[VisualEcho]

No worries bro, lots of trash wheels from the 60's still around with no issues, so these should last past your lifetime for sure .

[chief1richard]

My son was a passenger in his instructors WRX while taking turn 9 at Palmer Whiskey Hill raceway. They were approaching the left turn when the right front wheel separated where the 5 spokes attaches to wheel, and went flying into the woods. They hit the Tire Wall and other barriers totaling the WRX. They both had Hans Devices and 6 point harnesses on and walked away from it. Wheels do fail, especially as they age. One way to tell is with dye and an Ultra Violet Light to show any cracks where spokes meet wheel.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by chief1richard

My son was a passenger in his instructors WRX...

This is likely the biggest contributing cause; overstress. And really, there isn't nearly enough information here to make any assessments. Stock wheels? Rotajunk? Powder coated 12 times? Curbed with cracks, stressed to the limit?

The 437M is such a robust wheel, I doubt you'll ever, and I mean ever find a failed one.

[element241]

Age by itself, especially for a relatively new wheel like the 437M, probably does not matter. What does matter is how the wheels were driven. In racing, wheels are considered consumable items, just like tires or brakes. If street driven, quality wheels will basically last forever.