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Time/Tire Life
Tires have a code that tell you when they were manufactured.
How old are the tires on your vehicle? The date of manufacture is indicated by the last group of digits in the DOT manufacture code on the sidewall of the tire. The number is often stamped in a recessed rectangle. The DOT code tells who manufactured the tire, where it was made and when. The last group of digits in the code is the date code that tells when the tire was made.
Before 2000, the date code had three digits. Since 2000, it has had four. The first two digits are the week of the year (01 = the first week of January). The third digit (for tires made before 2000) is the year (1 = 1991). For most tires made after 2000, the third and fourth digits are the year (04 = 2004).
The date of manufacture is essential information for car owners and tire buyers because tires deteriorate even if they are not used. European automobile manufacturers recommend replacing ANY tire that is more than six (6) years old, including the spare tire. No such recommendations have yet been made by domestic vehicle manufacturers.
You should keep in mind that some tires are on the shelf as long as two years!
Last winter I remember reading that the RMV in MA was considering changing the rules for vehicle inspection, to not only check tire tread, and the date of manufacture. I seem to remember 5 years was being suggested, as an expiration date.
Worn tread or not, any weather cracking, (Heat is a factor... gets pretty hot in AZ, I bet), on the sidewall is a serious issue. Major cause of blow outs, at highway speed.
5 years seems reasonable to me, I would have approximately 50-60K on them, by that time, and they'd be shot by then anyhow.
Shop around, not only for price, but, how they take care of you After the Sale.
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Hybrid Mode
