How old is too old?

[Americas High Five]

I was able to track down some new Continental CrossContact LX20 tires at a local tire shop for my LE. They are offering better pricing than Tirerack.com however I noticed the DOT date is 2311. I've read that a tire's shelf life is hard to determine but typically after about 10years the tire really starts to lose its structural integrity. Is saving a few hundred dollars worth buying a ~3yr old tire? Does anyone know if Tirerack or other major retailers have DOT date standards on the tires they sell?

 

[adio3x]

I was able to track down some new Continental CrossContact LX20 tires at a local tire shop for my LE. They are offering better pricing than Tirerack.com however I noticed the DOT date is 2311. I've read that a tire's shelf life is hard to determine but typically after about 10years the tire really starts to lose its structural integrity. Is saving a few hundred dollars worth buying a ~3yr old tire? Does anyone know if Tirerack or other major retailers have DOT date standards on the tires they sell?

Jump on those, they're from the future!!!

 

[Tom P.]

6-7 years

...is what I recall reading. Those were made in 2011 so they're half way done, more or less.

 

[NoDak]

pffft, just buy a new 2014, those will have brand new tires

at least the truck is older than the tires. no cradle robbing there.

 

[T4RT]

Do these 2011 Continental CrossContact LX20's rate as fuel efficient tires as well?

I am still debating going with something more aggressive or staying with a stock energy efficient tire since I will be doing highway trips in our Runner.

Keep us posted on your decision.

 

[philsey]

What, exactly is "a few hundred dollars"?

How many miles a year do you drive? (How long will they last you)?

Bring the tire's age to the store manager's attention, and try for an even better price..... or free balancing, etc. He should be eager to sell them, it's not a fast moving size (obviously).

Tires age fastest due to sun exposure, not sitting in a store. I'd buy them IF the price were right. Not sure $200 would do it for me. $300+, probably.

Wise to look at the date - I would never have thought to do so.

 

[Americas High Five]

What, exactly is "a few hundred dollars"?

How many miles a year do you drive? (How long will they last you)?

Bring the tire's age to the store manager's attention, and try for an even better price..... or free balancing, etc. He should be eager to sell them, it's not a fast moving size (obviously).

Tires age fastest due to sun exposure, not sitting in a store. I'd buy them IF the price were right. Not sure $200 would do it for me. $300+, probably.

Wise to look at the date - I would never have thought to do so.

All said and done I'd save $195 including mounting, balancing, etc. Last year I drove 17k miles but my current job doesn't warrant as much driving. He didn't seem to think the age mattered so I doubt he will do any better on his price. He claimed they were stored in the warehouse since delivery was taken. I would assume tirerack and others use FIFO so whose to say I don't get similarly aged tires from them?

 

[Socco]

Yep, 6-8 years is what I've been told in the past. Even if they look good, the rubber has hardened up since it was new, hence the recommendation.