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Hi AA folk!
I've just purchased a set of new tyres from a reputable company. They haven't been installed yet (still waiting for the wheels to show up) but I just noticed that they're 16 years old: manufactured in 2003. No wonder they were on "clearance".
Most manufacturers recommend that tyres be replaced once they're 10 years old, and not installed if they're over 6 years old. I've yet to contact the supplier, but was wondering if you all had any input?
Are 16 year old "new" tyres a bargain, or ticking time-bomb?

Hi there,
Like any rubber component, they are affected by age, conditions and usage. So I would think that old tyres might be more susceptible to being very hard which could cause extra road noise, wear, or even start to perish before long when compared to a tyre that is half it's age. There is no requirement to check tyre age for a wof. Any out-of-date discount item is buyer beware.

Thanks! I found Hankook's warranty and safety guidelines: they recommend any unused tyre older than 6 years not be installed, and any fitted tyre older than 10 years be replaced. The tyre shop was horrified and accepted the tyres back without hesitation.