Definitely not the norm; I've owned every major brand, and Michelin is far and away the best quality and riding/handling tire I've ever owned........pilot sports, harmonys, exaltos.....if they're more than 4 years old, dry rot wouldnt surprise me

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL