Tire date question

[hairball29]

Hi, folks

 

i was doing some bits of bobs on my car and I got thinking about age of the tires. They're Avons and in very good shape, but i wondered if they were getting old. I found the little oval label that indicates the week and year.

 

Mine have 0600 molded on there suggesting that they were made in week 6 of 2000. Seems very unlikely given that the car is an 05, they're in good shape with no signs or cracking, rot or even much wear.

 

I feel like I'm misunderstanding the tag, perhaps? I've added a picture, can someone enlighten me?

 

Thanks, all

 

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15277&stc=1

[Sean]

You've interpreted the tire stamp correctly. Those tires were made in 2000 February (just over 19 years ago). Suggest budgeting for a new set, or increasing life insurance policy coverage. Cost should be similar either way, monetarily.

 

REF:

Following are reputable sources explaining TINs and tire date codes:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11

http://us.coopertire.com/safety/sidewalls/tire-identification-number.aspx

https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/faq.page/tire-care-and-maintenance/how-do-i-know-how-old-my-tires-are

https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/how-old-and-dangerous-are-your-tires.html

[coffee break]

I logged in to ask a tire question and this post is sort of an answer...

So, is Tire Rack a good place to source tires and how are they to deal with?

(no hijacking intended)

[hairball29]

You've interpreted the tire stamp correctly. Those tires were made in 2000 February (just over 19 years ago). Suggest budgeting for a new set, or increasing life insurance policy coverage. Cost should be similar either way, monetarily.

 

 

 

Many thanks. I'm both happy and not to be correct there!

 

I thought those tires were a bit lively, especially when cold, so I've just ordered some new ones.

 

Thanks for your input and for the reference links

[hairball29]

I've not used tirerack personally, but I've heard good things about them.

[Kitcat]

I mostly run Hoosier R7s which I get from Tire Rack. They also ''heat cycle" them for $10 a tire, which I have done. Purely for track use tho.

 

Toyo R888R's are supposed to be a good street/track tire tho are sticky enough that lots of road debris gets tossed in the cockpit. Like oil choice, tire selection is a favorite forum topic of discussion (maybe because there is no clear choice?).

 

Certainly various Avon tires are great for Caterham track and road use as they are designed specifically to work with that vehicle (or visa versa?). Not available though Tire Rack and very expensive, historically, even compared to Hoosiers, tho the pound dive may be helping? Roger Krause has been a reliable source for Avons.

 

Typically tires on these light weight vehicles last forever so choose wisely. Or, do what some people do and have multiple sets for various uses.

 

Tire Rack has been consistently fast, dependable, professional, etc. I have used them since the early 90's.

[fastg]

Tire Rack are a great outfit, great service. I drove my Mini Cooper S from DC to Chicago with the 7 wheels in the back. I was going for a long weekend vacation. The plan was to have the run flats removed from the Mini and new R888's on the 7 wheels. They found that one of the Mini wheels was out of round. So the

1. stored by 7 wheels.

2. Sold me a scratch and dent rim for $50.

3. Arranged for the bad wheel to be picked up for repair.

4. On my way back to DC they swapped the tire back onto the now repaired Mini rim free of change.

5. When they found I did not have room for the temporary wheel rim in the Mini they gave me a $50 credit.

 

Great people

 

One point about local fitting it works great, then ship to a local tire shop and you just drive over and get them fitted. If you can find a local Firestone shop, then have a fixed corporate price for Tire Rack deals, I think it's $15 or $18. Some regular shops changed $35 or $40. So try and fine a local Firestone shop.

 

Graham

[xcarguy]

I’ve used Tire Rack on several occasions over the years (since 2003...most recently, last year) and have never had a disappointment.

[coffee break]

I ordered Dunlop DIREZZA ZIII Monday afternoon and I did a check-out blat this afternoon. It turns out Tire Rack has a warehouse in the Atlanta area. The tires were at the installer the next day. I pondered Toyo R888Rs but I'm guessing that would be over the top for public roads. So far, the tires are night and day different from 8 year old all season tires. :driving:

[MightyMike]

I ordered Dunlop DIREZZA ZIII Monday afternoon and I did a check-out blat this afternoon. It turns out Tire Rack has a warehouse in the Atlanta area. The tires were at the installer the next day. I pondered Toyo R888Rs but I'm guessing that would be over the top for public roads. So far, the tires are night and day different from 8 year old all season tires. :driving:

 

I just ordered a set of Toyo R888Rs for my Storker (255/40-17s in front 275/40-17s in the rear). I cannot wait to get them on. My current tires are Hankook RS3s; they are seven years old, look almost like new, but are hard as a rock - no traction.

[xcarguy]

. . . current tires are Hankook RS3s . . . but LS3 - no traction.

 

Mike, fixed your post! :jester:

[MightyMike]

Yeah, the LS3 doesn't help much either. :driving:

[mel kuipers]

Have purchased many tires from Tire Rack over the last 12 years.....they have always done an excellent job for me.....their advice was spot on also....