Hello, I came across a good deal from a tire vendor online to replace my 8 year old tires. When I asked what the date codes are on the tires he could only guaranty that they were manufactured in the last 3 years; 2017-2018 probably he said. Is that normal when buying tires from a distributer? Thanks

 

I guess by "normal" your asking if this is ethical or do every tire carrier check the date codes on their tires?

One thing you need to remember is most people that buy tires do not see them through the full date cycle of their life; they'll see the full wear points before they hit anywhere near close to their optimal date range of five to six years when a tire should be replaced regardless of tread left. Thus for the majority of shoppers a tire that has been stocked for the past year or so is ultimately not a huge deal.

For a car like a Corvette where most people are not going to see full mileage but will see a tire's full life span, it can be concerning. You do not want to buy a tire that has a manufacturer date of three years old if you only put like 5,000 miles a year on your car as you'll be replacing those tires in about three to four years when they've hit their optimal date life well before their mileage life.

My suggestion would be to check the vendor's return policies and see if it is possible to return a tire if it is a few years old shelf life'd prior to receiving. My immediate guess is there would be a return stock fee and subsequent shipping fee; something you may need to seriously consider if this is actually a good "deal" or could you pay a little more from a local supplier knowing you'll get a tire with a more suitable production date.

 

Thanks! Good information to consider!

 

It might be "normal", never bought other than from a local tire shop. I can see why though...
You call today looking for tires. 3 others also. They give actual dates from the first tires available to all 4, but Bob in PA buys b4 you. Now you don't get what was said.

 

For how many tires I've purchased over the years, I've never checked the year they were produced. I just took it for granted they were made that year or the year before. I know I had to replace the fronts on my 02 even though they had allot of tread left on them. They were like 10 years old. I replace the rears more often so they don't get to that point.

 

What happens with old tires but good tread, blowout?

On my 1965 C10 I bought new Goodyear's for all 4 wheels in summer 2002, it hasn't been driven much, most was northern California to Texas when moving, then Texas to Arizona.

I guess I better buy new tires when I start driving it again.

 

The chances of blowout are definitely increased by how old they are. Rubber over time gets hard and brittle, and that's the last thing you want for a tire compound during inclimate weather, let alone normal driving conditions. Replace those babies pdq.

 

The date code is on each tire usually near the DOT number the date code is in weeks and years. So if you see 0819 that means the tire was manufactured the 8th week of 2019. If it says 2218 that means it was built the 22nd week of 2018.

 

I went out and looked with a flashlight and on 2 tires could not find date codes, however I did see what I think are some age defects, a ridge that looks like it will rip open one day on front driver's side, rear driver's side didn't have it.

I will definitely get new tires when it's insured and registered again.

 

all tires have date codes....most retailers sell stuff that is made within the last year, usually last 6 months depending on the popularity of the specifis tire and size....I always check

 

This. I have had good luck with a local tire store price matching Internet quotes for tires and that way I can easily control whether the date codes are acceptable or not. I state up front that I will not accept tires older than a certain manufacture date.

 

I just bought some tires a week ago from SummitRacing. The date code is in the little box (0519) Fifth week of 2019. All tires should have this someplace on the tire.

 

If you have OEM tires on a 99 C5 then the date code will not follow the format being provided by others on this thread. Prior to year 2000, the date code was embedded in the serial number. It should be the last three digits in the serial number. You will not find a separate date code on pre 2000 tires. Also, that means they are ancient and should not be used.

 

Sorry, I meant the tires on my 1965 C10, that I bought summer 2002, Goodyear from America's Tire (what Discount Tire is called called in California)

Will try looking again in daylight.

 

Tires should be changed every 6 years or so depending on driving and road conditions.

 

Sometimes the date code is only on one side of the tires like my Michelin tires.

 

I was wondering about that.

 

If you couldn't find date code on the outside then it will be on the inside, unless they're extremely old.