This may have been posted here before but, I recently saw it again so, here it is quote for quote. "This tip can keep you from being ripped off for hundreds of dolars. It may even save your life. What I am about to tell you, I learned this week. I should have known this already; so should you.
First, tires older than six years are unsafe. They have a tendency to disintegrate. It doesn't matter that they have never been driven; the rubber disintegrates.Second, there is a nunerical code, required by Federal law that tells you when the tire was manufactured. It appears at the end of the 12 digit code that begins with DOT.
The last four digits tell you the week and year. For example, 4207 means that it was produced in the 42nd week of 2007. If it's a three digit code, the tire was produced in the previous century. Replace it!
Until recently, manufacturers were allowed to place the code on the inside of the tire, assuring sellers that buyers would note discover that the tire had been sitting in inventory for several years.
When the code is on the inside, it's very difficult for the buyer to see it, even if he knows that it's there and what it means.
Before you buy new tires, ask the salesman to show you the exact tires to be installed -- not a "Looks just like this (but, 10 years older)." Check the code. Do not pay for tires older than six months. Afterall, it's your money." Go to the following link to read an article on the subject: http://www.garynorth.com/snip/595.htm I thought of this when I saw the post for that red '64 Hawk with a price of $69,000~~the owner said "The tires are original but, good as new." Oh, NO they're not!
JimsLeadCommander
First, tires older than six years are unsafe. They have a tendency to disintegrate. It doesn't matter that they have never been driven; the rubber disintegrates.Second, there is a nunerical code, required by Federal law that tells you when the tire was manufactured. It appears at the end of the 12 digit code that begins with DOT.
The last four digits tell you the week and year. For example, 4207 means that it was produced in the 42nd week of 2007. If it's a three digit code, the tire was produced in the previous century. Replace it!
Until recently, manufacturers were allowed to place the code on the inside of the tire, assuring sellers that buyers would note discover that the tire had been sitting in inventory for several years.
When the code is on the inside, it's very difficult for the buyer to see it, even if he knows that it's there and what it means.
Before you buy new tires, ask the salesman to show you the exact tires to be installed -- not a "Looks just like this (but, 10 years older)." Check the code. Do not pay for tires older than six months. Afterall, it's your money." Go to the following link to read an article on the subject: http://www.garynorth.com/snip/595.htm I thought of this when I saw the post for that red '64 Hawk with a price of $69,000~~the owner said "The tires are original but, good as new." Oh, NO they're not!
JimsLeadCommander
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