Tire date stamp

[mike72903]

Looking at a motorcycle tire on a local Craigslist. Says it new and it looks good and has a sticker on it.  I ask if it had a date stamp and they replied it said "40 80 92".  Is that a date stamp and if so how do you interpret it?  Makes no sense to me and I'm thinking the seller may have sent some other info stamped on the tire.  It's a Dunlop  Thanks

[BonS]

A tire date stamp is four digits such as "2309" which is the twenty third week of 2009.

[Ricky-D]

So how "good" is a new tire "off the shelf" from a dealer?

I imagine there are some new tires resting on the rack at a dealer that could be

at least a couple of years old.  I assume they age, even though sitting unused on the rack.

Does wrapped or not make any difference as to how a tire ages.

I just ordered an Elite III and am anxious to see the manufacture date.

***

[nogrey]

So how "good" is a new tire "off the shelf" from a dealer?

I imagine there are some new tires resting on the rack at a dealer that could be

at least a couple of years old.  I assume they age, even though sitting unused on the rack.

Does wrapped or not make any difference as to how a tire ages.

I just ordered an Elite III and am anxious to see the manufacture date.

***

Good question. My brother is a tire dealer and when we buy a used valkyrie, it's one of the things we look at, especially if we are going to ride it home any distance.
Here's your answer: Most tire companies will not warranty a tire if the date code shows the tire is over 6 years old. That is why (IMO) you see a lot of "dealers" selling "new" tires cheap on ebay. When their inventory gets dated, they want to get rid of it. No warranty, etc.
My advice would be to inquire as to the date code if buying from craigslist, ebay, etc.
When I buy new from the internet (which I always do), I look at the date code upon receipt. I usually buy from Dennis Kirk, and have yet to receive a tire that is more than a few months old.
Hope this helps.

[HayHauler]

P.S.   Tire Rack says to store your spare tires in black trash bags after cleaning them with soap and water.  Remove as much air as possible and tape it shut.  This creates an "atmosphere" inside the bag that helps keep the tires from aging so quickly.
Just FYI...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=37

Thanks,
Jimmyt

[nogrey]

P.S.   Tire Rack says to store your spare tires in black trash bags after cleaning them with soap and water.  Remove as much air as possible and tape it shut.  This creates an "atmosphere" inside the bag that helps keep the tires from aging so quickly.
Just FYI...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=37

Thanks,
Jimmyt

That's good information! Thanks!

[MarkT]

Another thing.  I used to be a commercial tire salesman. Had to be privy to some info not common knowledge.  Tires will age just from the atmosphere, sun & time.  Generally they dry out and lose flexibility. Typically tires are stored in warehouses before you get them, out of direct sunlight, and sitting on their tread, as they should be.  Humidity control would be great, but that doesn't happen very much.  When they fail from age, it will generally be circumferential cracks on the sidewall right where the tire flexes as it rolls.  If not replaced, eventually they will develop slow then faster leaks that are not reparable.

I always specify when I buy tires, that they have an age stamp inside a year old.  At least make them look at it.  A responsible tire company will contact you if they can't meet that criteria.  Then you can decide if you will accept a bit older tire.  I recently accepted a Vredestein DS tire that was 7 yrs old.  It was the last year this tire was made before discontinued.  I got a great price, the tire is underloaded lessoning flexion, and I know what to watch for.  Also, DS sidewalls are so stiff that even with a sudden failure, the stiff sidewalls along with centrifugal force will support the weight while I get stopped.  Been there, experienced that.

On bike tires, I've had great luck with Jake Wilson.  Prices and age, fast & free shipping. 

[nogrey]

On bike tires, I've had great luck with Jake Wilson.  Prices and age, fast & free shipping. 

Same here,    on Jake Wilson for tires.