So you are going to purchase a new set of tires for that car you love. Have you gotten a great price on a new set of tires and wondered, how can this tire be so cheap when it is new? Well the answer might be that you just purchased old but UNUSED tires. You might be surprised to know that that set of tires you purchase may very well be 1, 2, 3, or even 4 years old the day you buy them. There is a term used on many auction sites called NOS. Translated it means New Old Stock. This is a part that has never been sold, and is still in it's original wrapping or box. The item is new but it is old stock. Some parts may be over 50 years old and still be considered new, or NOS. The same goes for tires although you will never see them that old. But you may very well see a so-called new tire that is 1, 2, or 3 years old. Here is how you tell the age of the tire you are buying. Look on the sidewall for the date code. In this example you see the date code. M606 This tire was manufactured the 6th week of 2006.
You may also see this type code.
In this example the tire was manufactured the 51st week of 2007. So ask to see the date code on the tires you are purchasing. the last thing you want to do is buy a set of tires that is already 1 or 2 years old. the problem is that tires, like any rubber product, degrade over time and could present significant yet hidden risks, regardless of tread depth and appearance. If the dealer is hesitant about showing you the date code, walk out.
