DOT On New Tires - How Old Is Too Old?

[sandymacd]

Hi Forum!
What is a reasonable expectation of manufacture date when purchasing new tires from a dealer? 3 months, 6 months, 1 year? At what point should I say no thank you?
Thanks!
Sandy

I wouldn't call it an expectation, because dealers are not required to "expire" older tires like groceries. Shop around, ask what date codes a dealer has, and make a decision based on what's available in your area. I consider it the buyer's responsibility to ask, then verify what is put on the rims.

[Padgett]

I always check the date before buying, prefer under 3 months, outside limit 6 months for new tires.

Probably nothing wrong with older ones just no need for them. That said I have seen some 1993 tires that looked new inside and out. It is moisture (why nitrogen filling), exposure (ozone and sun), and use that seem to age a tire.

That said underinflation/overloading can make a tire overheat and fail faster than anything else.

[tentcamper]

I will except tires that are withing 9 month old. It's not like the tires are made and the next day they are on a shelf. There is a supply chain and several warehouses.

It always seems like I get tires that are between 2 to 6 months. But I tell my dealer I want fresh tires and will not except older tires. Also, I ask them to mount the tire with the date code facing out. For some reason around here they mount the code facing in.

I use my tires for 4 years. But am always inspecting them and airing them up. So they could be 5 years old when I chance them in early spring.

There is a shelf life by lay. Tire dealers by law can not mount tires that are 10 years or older.

[Padgett]

Just what we need, another law. I have heard the rubber used in tires today does not last as long as it used to.

And of course special interest groups get exemptions "As proposed in the NPRM and in response to comments suggesting technical difficulties applying labeling revisions to motorcycle tires and specialty tires produced for antique vehicles, NHTSA is not requiring that FMVSS No. 139 apply to motorcycle tires and tires for vehicles produced before 1975. "

[bayoubill]

I was in the tire industry for about 7 years. Generally, trailer tires are going to be older when bought due to the lack of demand and resulting low turnover. Most dealers will order newer tires if you request it. If they don't, there are plenty of dealers who want your money.

[hillbillyhotel]

I may be corrected on this, but warranty starts on mfg date , not the day you buy, my last set was was right at (my) limit 6 months, j.m.o.

[bayoubill]

Originally Posted by hillbillyhotel

I may be corrected on this, but warranty starts on mfg date , not the day you buy, my last set was was right at (my) limit 6 months, j.m.o.

The warranty starts on the date of purchase but most tire manufacturers limit their warranty to 6 years from date of manufacture which is the industry standard for the shelf life of tires whether they are used or not.

[Bill]

As with batteries, I think the warranty starts on the date of purchase if you can prove the date of purchase with a register receipt. If you can't prove date of purchase, then the warranty date reverts to the manufacturing date. Been there, done that, got really annoyed.

Bill

[Speckul8r]

I just finished with the 15" upgrade by installing some Maxxis 225 75R15 load E's. The tires were about 9 months old by the date stamp. I aired 'em up to 70 psi and the trailer pulls great. Not near the bounce that I expected from the higher inflation. Actually, I noticed no more bounce than with the old 14's.