LegoVA

Hi, new to the train scene after being away from Lego for decades. I just have a basic question: is there any problem with connecting freight and passenger cars to Power Up/Power Functions engines? The tracks are the same size, so should be fine yes? For example running the 10170 TTX Intermodel double stack cars with a 60198 engine?

I have read a few threads about this subject but it is still unclear to me whether problems with tires apply to all vintage sets or only late 90s/early 00s sets when a change to tire quality was instituted by Lego. I have a sealed set from the late 80s and am wondering if I am going to find the tires to have broken down into a gooey mess or something when I open it. Assuming the set was stored as best possible over time. Are tires with problems due to age still playable?