Are older tires aginst the law?

[vsheetz]

Have the saleman put his statement on the Internet - then it will be true.

[Gorlininc]

I believe a truck tire on commercial vehicles have a time limit set by DOT. they can be checked at weigh stations.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by ga traveler

Goodyear and michelin both say best at 7 years but never over ten years. the salesman is probably an out or work used car salesman.

I haven't seen that in any of their literature.
Here's what Michelin says

Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires

The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.

That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.

Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure.

It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.

While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.

For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years).

The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004.

From Goodyear:

Removal conditions:
Tires should be removed from service for several reasons, including tread worn down to minimum depth, signs of damage (cuts, cracks, bulges, etc.) or damage caused by underinflating or overloading. Below are some recommendations for specific issues:
Sidewall weather cracking.
Weather cracking is a naturally occurring condition that most often
appears as crazing and/or cracking in the flex area of the sidewall.
Probable causes of sidewall weather cracking include:
• Long periods of inactivity or storage.
• Direct exposure to sunlight.
• Exposure to high levels of ozone from sources such as smog and electrical generators.
• Excessive washing.
• Using alcohol and/or petroleum-based cleaners.
If a tire has weather cracks deeper than 2/32'' – or if internal components such as steel or fabric body plies are visible – the tire should be replaced

From TOYO:

Proper Inspection and Storage of Tires
Before taking your RV on a trip, make it a practice to inspect the overall condition of your tires and inflate the tires to the proper air pressure, especially when removing it from a long period of storage. A thorough check should include both inside and outside sidewalls,
tread area, and the condition of hardware such as valve stems, valve caps, and wheels.
The tread should be checked for any unusual wear, cracking, penetrations, and/or cuts.
An uneven wear pattern can indicate misalignment or worn suspension parts. Check for any type of condition or damage that might result in failure.
Since many RVs are used seasonally and sometimes stored for extended times, it is possible that tires will take many years to wear out. Tires, as any rubber product, will age over time. If tires show cracking in the sidewall or tread surface that is more than 2/32nds, they should be replaced before your next trip or vacation. Store your RV in a cool, dry area away from major heat sources and extreme cold. An enclosed area is best with no exposure to electromagnetic sources such as generators or transformers.
If you must keep your RV outside, cover your tires from direct sunlight.
Take your RV to your Toyo Tire dealer for service to check or correct any of these conditions.

[JohnRR]

Originally Posted by Gorlininc

I believe a truck tire on commercial vehicles have a time limit set by DOT. they can be checked at weigh stations.

You may want to check on your source of information.

Definitely time for a new salesman which unfortunately makes the dealership suspect as well.

[laj]

Originally Posted by Gorlininc

I believe a truck tire on commercial vehicles have a time limit set by DOT. they can be checked at weigh stations.

Completely incorrect information. DOT could care less about age of tires or dot date. They care only about appearance and condition.

[HappyCCRVr]

You might find this interesting:
Are your new tires really 6-year old ticking time-bombs? | Wise Bread
...in part:

In Europe and Asia, tire manufacturers inform customers about the dangers of old tires, and the very real dangers of driving on ‘new’ tires that are actually six years old, or even older. But here in Uncle Sam, we’re being kept in the dark. And that’s hardly surprising, because tires are a billion dollar business, and no company wants to destroy tires and see profits literally go up in smoke. They look new. They smell new. They are new, right?

Well, no. The rubber in the tires dries out over time. This can lead to cracking, greater stress on the tire’s infrastructure and “catastrophic failure.” When that happens, the tire can literally fall apart on you while you’re driving. The tread comes away from the tire quickly and violently. As you can imagine, this can be disastrous; even deadly.

So far, more than 100 deaths have been attributed to old tires, and there is currently a lawsuit against Bridgestone/Firestone for selling old tires as new. It’s alleged that these tires were responsible for a crash which left one man dead and a family without a father.

And yet despite all of this evidence, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has refused to impose a six-year shelf life on tires. All they have issued is a warning . Why? We could speculate, but money talks, and how many tire companies are ready to junk thousands of tires every month that could easily be sold as new?

[HappyCCRVr]

Dangerous Tires - YouTube

[Ray,IN]

Every tire warranty I have read states a warranty time limit; from the date of purchase-OR. if you do not have the receipt the warranty period begins with the date on the tire.

[JohnRR]

Originally Posted by baja

Buying new tires(1804) is there age. The tire salesman said if I was to be stopped and the law found out the tire age they would be in violation, thats because anything over 7 yrs is against the law? I thought it was a little reckless not unlawful.

This is the topic of this thread please let's not wander off into the field of so many dead horses that have been covered in depth in the past.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Every tire warranty I have read states a warranty time limit; from the date of purchase-OR. if you do not have the receipt the warranty period begins with the date on the tire.

But, that doesn't mean that's the end of their life and must be thrown away. It's like a car, the warranty lasts so long, but the car will (usually) last longer.

[Executive]

I may see it a bit differently. I read this as Baja's tires have a date code from 2004. The salesman is trying to simply scare him into buying tires TODAY..which he probably should do..but from a different tire store.....Dennis

[wa8yxm]

I am most familure with the vehicle code of one state, I do not recall seeing anything in it about tire age,, Now dept of thread, that is in there, but age, I don't think so.

HOWEVER... IF you are out and about on tires say 10 years old, one blows and someone else sufferes damage as a result, and some smart lawyer happens to know the recommended replacement period for tires. You might have a civil (not criminal) problem.

[baja]

Having read each and every reply and do thank you very much for your opinion's. They are to the point and accurate. The tire person was more of a salesman than a tire guy, having spent last three weeks checking all the tires and how clean the locations were I have choose a Michelin commercial truck dealer here in Tampa and will use FMCA purchase program to get 275/80x22.5 XZA3 Evertread.Will have final price after the tires are mounted, according to FMCA around $4,200.00 OTD

[JohnRR]

Thank you for the update.