Tire Date Code

[Harm]

What is an acceptable time lapse from manufacture to dealer stores when purchasing new tires? Should the date code be within 3, 6, 12 months? I've found that most dealers want the money up front, then order the tires and say they have no way to find out how old the tires will be when they are delivered to them.

[Mike Canter]

It is your money and I would insist on 3 months and have some guarantee before you give them any money. The problem is that the warehouse gets stuck with older dated tires and wants to dump them so they make up all kinds of excuses..

[GaryKD]

Hi Wayne,
For me, it all depends. I'll go up to one year for auto (toad) tires. This is because I know I'll wear out the tread long before the 10 year time expires (Michelin Brand). On the coach, I'm more sensitive. I haven't replaced the current coach tires yet, but gut feel says 6 months is the most I'd go on date of manufacture.

[Izzyblueye]

My money, my coach, my families safety. He either gets the tires with 3 month date code or I go where they can. tires are made every day of the year. They are shipped every day of the year. One problem is some of these distributors are so large, and cover such a wide area that any dealer in a given location might have trouble getting the date you want if the distributor has a large inventory. Go some where else, tires are a national item.

[GaryKD]

Hi Homer,
You are correct in that tires are made every day of the year. However, not all models and sizes are made every day. The manufacturer will make models and sizes in batches, based on whatever their formula is for how many they think they will sell. This is one reason the 275X70X22.5 Michelin Brand tires are sometimes very hard to find.

[Izzyblueye]

Areed Gary: But there are many plants all over the world making tires around the clock. I have not had any problem getting what I want when I buy. I just bought 6 with a no more than 3 month prerequisite on the date code and got them. 16" wheels which may be a bit more available.

[Harm]

Thanks everyone for your input. My coach has 305/70x22.5 which seem to be a lot harder to find than 80 series tires, but their not ready for replacement yet. I am presently looking for replacement tires for my HHR and getting lots of run around.