Useful age of NEW tires (PS2)

I'm getting new sneakers all around - Michelin PS2 for an 03 C4S. The rears came in fine, the fronts were manufactured late 05. I think the general rule is you shouldn't buy a tire over 2 years old from the manufacture date. True? Meaningless? I turned them back, but now I need to wait another week. In the meantime I'm running on very worn tires - one with a giant nail in it with a slow leak. No big deal, but wondering if I should just take the 05 tire. Frankly, at the price of the PS2 they ought to be just born. Also, has the PS2 been replaced with a new model? Thanks. d

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It is surprising that anyone would have 2 year old stock of any particular tire, as production and turnover are generally quite fast. That being said, if a tire has been stored correctly, i.e. not weathered, compressed, etc., then I know of no reason that it wouldn't be fine to use. I'm sure that tires from a reputable source would be fine. Think about it, when you install tires on most cars, more often than not they're seriously older than 2 years by the time you get around to replacing them and you never even pause to think about it.

True. I was thinking the same. I just didn't know if sitting on a shelf not being warmed or used would cause changes in the compound or harden. Tires are from TireVan.com - who said they came straight from Michelin. Thought it was odd as well that they would have a 3 year old tire in stock - especially for such a popular model.

Dan, I agree with your decision. You shouldn't have to pay retail prices for old product. Whether the tire 'aged' well or not is irrelevant.

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It's unlikely that Michelin would have such an old tire in stock. They make a phenomenal number of tires and would not be able to store tires for that long. Let me put it like this - of the tire manufacturers I have had dealings with, they are lucky if they have stock more than a few months old - they don't have the space for it and their capital management systems wouldn't allow them to have so much money sitting around doing nothing for so long... inventory is dead money. They typically are making winter stock in May - so think of that as a 6 month jump on the winter demand. The idea of a tire sitting in a manufacturer warehouse for 3 years is a little silly. Damon from Tire Rack can comment on this, but my observation is that when a tire is obsoleted it typically takes around 4-6 months (depending upon the model) to disappear from the supply chain - think of that as stock retained in the system.

Where can you find the "born on" date on the tire? I've never thought to look for that when I replaced tires.

It is only on one side of the tire, on directionals, always on the outside. It is usually an obvious oval or rounded corner rectangle molded area around 4 digits. The first 2 are the week of manufacture (01 through 52) and the last 2 are the year. It is normally acceptable to buy up to a 1 year old tire. 3 years is crazy for a new one.

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You are right, but they would be awesome for a "tire swing!"

I would send them back also. I would also tell them I will take my buisness ellswear just for trying to pass two year old tires off on me.

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If forecast wrong, the tire maker can make too many tires. Or the car maker can switch brands. They do this if they can get a better deal and if they have of course nothing in the agreement with their current tire supplier that prohibits them from going to another tire maker for tires. A tire that is in service -- mounted and at some level being used -- is generally considered past its replacement date at 6 years. Sitting on a shelf though is not the same as being mounted on a car and being used. One concern if presented with new tires several years old I would have is if my tire usage would result in this older new tire reaching its end of life (say 6 years old) before I had received full use of the tire. You could have used the tire. Or you can as you did send it back and seek tires made more recently. If the older new tires came with a discount though...I'd be tempted to use the older new tires. However, my driving is such that the tires would have no danger of going old before they wore out from normal usage. Sincerely, Macster.

Maurice: If you are referring to me and not Tire Van, they didn't try to pass me the old tires. They were very up front about it - if I wanted them that day - old tire, if I wanted fresh rubber, then 4-5 days. I still do think it is curious that Michelin sent them such old tires, as they say. Regardless, I get the freshies tomorrow. Looking forward to the PS2 coming off worn Conti. I've got a nail larger than my thumb stuck in my right front tire. I've been milking it.

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Then you will wonder why your rear end has a date inprinted to it?!?!.............

So you are accepting the tires, right?

Nope. I told them I wanted newer tires, and that 3-4 years seemed a little long - especially considering this is a popular tire. BUT, about 30 minutes ago I got a call and they still don't have the new fronts in. Guess my experiment with tirevan.com is about to end. Too bad, because the idea is great. I know they aren't Camry tires, but they aren't exotic! d

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I've used tirevan several times. The first time they etched a hairline scratch completely around one of my rims which is only noticeable when I'm actually washing that rim. They denied of course, but really what, other than a machine, can etch a perfect line around the circumference of my rim?. The good is they used to be cheap. I would get them to order my tires from Tirerack then mount and "road force" balance the wheels for near $20 per rim cheaper than any local store. I think so far I've purchase 12 tires from them. The last time I used them, which was this past DEC/Jan, their prices, or should I say fees have increased. I compaired two receipts to find that there are new charges which bring me alot closer to he price of a tire shop. Just last week I recommended them to a friend of mine, who's Jag comes with the same Pirreli's we use (which rotted from not being driven),who drop shipped his tires from tirerack to a local tire shop and says he's only paying $20 more based on Tirevan's website. I tried to sell him on convienience but tirevan doesn't deliver to his home area.

Believe me, I wish they would have gotten the tires. The convenience factor is HUGE. Especially considering I would need to....... Ummm. Tire Van just called me back while I was typing. They say they found the tires and will install tomorrow, plus 20% off the install for being pushed back several times. I need to leave for the airport at 5 tomorrow, so it could be interesting. No way I'm leaving them with the keys and an open garage door. All four tires, plus the road force balance should take about how long?

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No more than an hour. I did leave the car unlocked once, no biggie. They did it in my driveway (I didn't have a garage at that time anyway).

I think you will be happy you waited and got the newer rubber. Here is the senario, 1-2 yrs from now you'll need new rears but the fronts will be ok for another 1-2 years. You'll be glad you don't have 5 yr olds on the front. I think they (tirevan) were really hoping you would accept the old tires and later they could say hey "you had a choice". A less knowledgeable guy would have taken the old tires and in my opinion got screwed.

Tires installed. Tire Van did a great job, were up front about the age of the original tires they recieved, and gave me a discount for having to wait a few extra days. The best part was the difference the PS2 made. I guess I wasn't expecting it. The tram-lining is gone! Runs straight as an arrow no push or pull that I was getting from the Conti's. Haven't pushed them yet - was told to hold the HP down for a few days until the gel they used around the lip drys. Sharp tires too. I'd recommend tirevan.com if you are in the metro dc area. They knocked it down right in my driveway including road force balancing. Took about 75 minutes. Thanks for all your comments. Looking forward to the opportunity of pushing them a little once I return from a trip. d