If I buy new tires, should I expect them to be new?

Was parked near a guy at the track recently who told me "I found a set of New Old Stock tires for the rear. New tires that had been sitting for a while. Much cheaper."

While I stood there biting my tongue, he paused, and then said "That's the last time I'll ever do that."

Yep. Bad choice.

 

Tires are the second most critical element in the equation. You are the first.

 

There are warranty issues as well. Most tire manufacturers have a warranty time limit based on the date code on the tire. If a tire retailer tells you that you must accept an old new stock tire (a year old tire as new)... your leverage is the warranty from the tire manufacturer. Tell the retailer you wont accept a year old tire (by date code) unless the tire manufacturer will extend their tire warranty to match the same time span from mounting on a wheel. The retailer doesn't get to steal a year out of your warranty.

 

You should have taken the car out and used them up in an hour or so. 😀