MMsTSX

Everybody aware of the tire age problem in America?


Know how old your tires are?


Know how old they are when they start to dry out and become ticking time bombs?


Know that most every tire store stocks and sells tires dangerous to put on your car?


...

good stuff to know.

MMsTSX

So here's the deal.

On every tire in America there is a DOT number.

long, broken up, numbers and such.

The END of this number sequence is what you want.
The LAST numbers.

It goes like this:

171 = 17th week of 1991
3202 = 32nd week of 2002
084 = 8th week of 1994
5107 = 51st week of 2007
012 = 1st week of 1992

see?

The magic age limit is SIX (6) YEARS.

If a tire is 6 years old, it's dangerous.
It's then dried out, not as fexible and it will shred on the road.
With plenty of tread on it by the way.


So...


Only buy tires that are, in my opinion, less than 4 years old.

so the last two numbers need to be 04 or higher in my opinion.
02 or higher says the "them," I say better safe than sorry.


there you have it.

MMsTSX

Now go to any local tire shop, Sears, whatever and look around.

I'll bet you'll see tires that are more than 6 years old.


Be careful when you buy new tires!!
Don't buy new tires that are old and dangerous.

CGP06tsx

Very interesting post. That is really good stuff to know! I just ran out and checked, and I have 3405 on mine. That's pretty cool to see when your tires were made. :p

JTso

iTrader: (2)

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/...in698335.shtml

1Louder

Thanks! I never knew. I have 1606 all around...

PACman

4907 here.

cestmoi

Good to know about the dates on tires! Mine shows 27th week of 2006, or in another words on the 3rd week of June 2006. TSX manufactured in Sep 2006. Got my vehicle in Nov 2006.

godfather2

oh man, nice info

Jim Holloman

Good information, MMsTSX. A lot of people do not realize that tires are only good for 5-6 years. They think that as long as there is thread...

Now, I will say that a tire that is not in the sun (like in a warehouse) ages much slower than a tire that is in the sun. It is my understanding that both ultraviolet rays and ozone is what does the most damage.

MMsTSX

yes, this is great info to know.

it's not just about the sun, it's about the rubber itself.
if a tire sat in the sun, it would only be good for about 3-4 years.
in a warehouse, it can be good for up to 6 years.

no matter the condition, never buy a tire older than 6 years old.

this post is probably more for our relatives or friends that drive older cars,
or don't care so much about them and what exact tire should go on.

this is most valuable to my parents and sister and such.
the common American has absolutely no idea about this.


so please, tell your parents, tell you friends and siblings too.

be safe everyone!