Aging tires can be dangerous, say studies done by the National Transportation Safety Board. They deteriorate in the store, and they’re kept until they’re sold. You might even buy a 10- or 15-year old tire that has rubber that’s breaking down and steel belts that are weakening.
Most of us just look at the tread and figure our tires are fine…sort of a “not-bald-is-beautiful” attitude. That doesn’t mean they’re safe, though.
When you buy tires, look for the manufacturer’s code date. Find the string of numbers on the tire. The last four are the code for the day and the year of manufacturer. For example, if the tire was made after 2000, “6811” means that it was made on the 68th day of 2011. If you’re checking the tires you have now, be advised that there may be a different date on each of the four you’re driving on.
How Old Are Your Tires? Your Safety May Depend on the Answer has more information on tire age, safety, where to find the code number, and how to read code numbers on tires made before 2000.
Then, go check your tires! I want my readers to be safe!