Tires: TIRE LIFE OR REPLACEMENT, when to replace tires, cold climate

Question
I OWN A 2004 BMW THAT HAS 12,000 MILES IS GARAGE KEPT. BUT WORRIED WHEN TO REPLACE TIRES.I AM GOING ON A LONG TRIP I DONT WANT TROUBLE. WHAT IS OPINION.THANKS ROBERT  

Answer
Robert,

Recent bulletins from the tire industry indicate that tires degrade simply due to time.  The age of a tire is important even if the tire is unused.  There some disagreement over how to best express this age limitation, but my take is:

If you live in a hot climate (AZ, CA, NV, TX, and FL) then the limit is six years.  If you live in a cold climate (MN, ND, WI, MT, etc), then the limit is 10 years.  States in between are  ..... ah ........ in between.

Your tires are at least 6 years old and more likely 7 years old.  If peace of mind is important to you, I'd replace them.