Interesting -- of the 4 tires I just bought two are dated "3006" and
two "0208".  The 3006 ones were then just under 2 years old when they
sold them to me.   Given that I only drive the van about 5k miles/
year, I suspect the tires are going to spoil before they wear out.  In
which case 2 years is a big chunk of their life.

On Sep 1, 2008, at 6:10 PM, Larry Chase wrote:

> Volks,
>
> There is a growing amount of data about "TIRE AGING" that suggests we
> should not use tires
> more than 6 years old.
>
> The problem is called "thermo-oxidative degradation".
>
> In fact the data on tire aging is so compelling that most car
> manufacturers now include a
> statement in their owners manuals.
>
> In fact VW was one of the first to do this.
>
> Example from 2000-2001 Volkswagon Golf Owner's Manual:
>
> "WARNING -Tires age even if they are not being used. Tires which are
> more
> than 6 years old should be used only in an emergency and then with
> caution."
> "WARNING - Old tires can fail in use, causing loss of vehicle control
> and
> personal injury. Replace tires after six years regardless of tread
> wear. Always
> reduce speed and drive cautiously if you must use an old tire in an
> emergency.
> Replace the tire as soon as possible."
>
> But how do we tell the age of our tires?
>
> Here's how:
>
> http://www.roadhaus.com/tires/tire_age.html
>
> Knowing how to read the date code on your tire may not only keep you
> safer on the road, it might
> also keep you from buying a new set of tires that could be several
> years old before you put them on
> your Bus.
>
> In the link above you will see a few examples of stores selling tires
> several years old as new.
>
> Maggie & I cruised the local Sears Auto Center this morning. We found
> new tires on the sales floor
> ranging from 2004 to 2008.
>
> Something to think about  ... be an informed consumer.
>
> If you are interested in other info about choosing a proper tire for a
> Vanagon, here's a
> perspective.
>
> http://www.roadhaus.com/tires/guideline.html
>
> Note ... if you go to the above link it will be our secret .
>
> I will not out you to the rest of our community as an "Informed tire
> consumer".
>
> larry
> roadhaus.com