OLD new tire, response from Goodyear

[1978elcamino]

So in another thread I posted about a 4 yr old new tire that was installed on the wifes fusion. After calculating the date code it is actually 3yrs 9 months old if i remember correctly. As per the Goodyear treadwear warranty PDF right from their site it clearly states the warranty is only in effect for six years from date of manufacture. So last week I emailed GY customer service a detailed email about the age, warranty age period, safety concerns etc, asking about how to obtain a newer replacement for this one tire. The information below is a copy and paste from my email response. Just wonder what BITOG thinks of this...

[email protected]

Apr 28, 2019, 9:40 AM (1 day ago)



Thank you for contacting our web site and for your interest in tire safety.

The USTMA (United States Tire Manufacturing Association) represents the position that there is not one specific chronological age at
which tires should be removed from service because there is no data that supports a specific age.

Age is not the key, consistent maintenance, proper inflation and regular inspection for treadwear patterns and damage are the keys to
good tire performance.

While there is no data that demonstrates a tire is less safe when it reaches a certain age, for consumers who are concerned about the
age or condition of their tires, it is recommended they let a tire professional inspect their tires.

Felicia
Consumer Relations

 

[KGMtech]

Not exactly a concise answer, but the point is valid that one persons 4 year old tire in a Northern location with low sun exposure is going to be different from a same age tire living in the sun belt.

 

[SZR48207]

Makes sense. But this won't change the minds of those who currently think otherwise.

 

[Rand]

sounds like standard boilerplate lawyerese hogwash.

While that is true it doesnt answer your question or provide any assistance with your concern.

 

[Cujet]

I've been doing this a long time. Only recently have Goodyear aircraft tires started cracking within months. It's almost like they get the rubber from China or something.

 

[hemitom]

Well she certainly skirted her way around the warranty..

So according to goodyear your warranty is up.

You have a legitimate concern and if this bothers you i would return to the place of purchase show them the warranty terms on goodyears site and ask for new tires which you paid for and expected to receive.

 

[Wolf359]

Yeah, I always check the date code before they install the tires. If they're too old, that's the perfect point for saying no thanks. All the big vendors typically have tires less than a year old, some only a couple months old.

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted by Wolf359
Yeah, I always check the date code before they install the tires. If they're too old, that's the perfect point for saying no thanks. All the big vendors typically have tires less than a year old, some only a couple months old.


This

You can certainly try to return to place of purchase to ask for a newer replacement. I believe the warranty is sent in by the place you purchased it and they see it up with the tire mfr.

 

[Pelican]

Yes that's their response to disclaim responsibility. Just because there is no legislation in place doesn't mean that rubber doesn't age.
ON AVERAGE tires should be changed every 5-6 years regardless of tread, but in southern states or where they are exposed to the sun they should be changed sooner, how sooner that's the big question. Everyone is in a different situation, this is where a knowledgeable tire shop can help.
My life rides on them so I'd rather err on the side of caution.

 

[sloinker]

I'm seeing more blurbs from manufacturers that they are using more environmentally friendly compounding ingredients in tires. Maybe so they will decompose faster than tires of the past?

 

[JLTD]

I'd answer that email with some strong commentary about what their warranty states, and how it is compromised because it's more than 1/2 gone at purchase.

 

[edyvw]

LOL. Answer written by lawyer.

 

[Dave9]

The policy does seem a bit one sided but this is what to expect in today's highly competitive marketplace.

I suspect you are out of luck and hopefully won't need the warranty past the 6 year mark. You lose a little mileage on that warranty if you don't drive much per year and next time, make sure you ask about the age of the tires you're buying.

If it bothers you enough, write a letter to corporate stating you will no longer be buying Goodyear tires.

 

[1978elcamino]

I have a feeling a conversation at the tire store will most likely turn into a [censored] match with me loosing and leaving in sweat and anger. Since I got road hazard it would probably be easier for me to let the air out of the tire and drive around the block until the sidewalls are shot. Come back in with the spare on and shrug my shoulders as if I have no idea. I know this is dishonest but my choices are limited. Below are my choices, so far.

Contact Goodyear (no solution)

Contact the store (unlikely to give a new tire)

Not worry about it (worry about safety and limited warranty)

Destroy the tire, replace under road hazard (dishonest but easiest route,probably wont do)

 

[Eddie]

Micheline says tires should be replaced at or before 7 years? Maybe because I see or hears so much about Micheline weather checking? Ed

 

[1978elcamino]

Originally Posted by Cujet
I've been doing this a long time. Only recently have Goodyear aircraft tires started cracking within months. It's almost like they get the rubber from China or something.


My father and I actually had a conversation yesterday close to this. He restores 60's motorcycles and said "I have a garage full of bikes with the original tires from the 60's, most have plenty of treat, hold air and have no cracks and I drive them once a month". I told him I believe him and tire companies engineer them to fail. Why would they use compounds that only need to be replaced if they wear out vs needing to be replaced due age. If you drive they know you will be back every 5 - 6 years regardless. I have to replace 5 tires every 4-5 years on my boat trailer no matter how little I use it. Its parked in the shade under a canopy and only sees sun when its taken out on the weekends during the summer. Point is, tire companies know exactly how to get you back their distributor's door.

 

[atikovi]

Originally Posted by KGMtech
Not exactly a concise answer, but the point is valid that one persons 4 year old tire in a Northern location with low sun exposure is going to be different from a same age tire living in the sun belt.


I got a 25 year old spare tire that looks like new, but then, it's never been out in the sun either.

 

[edwardh1]

costco will not rotate them after a certain age

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by 1978elcamino
The USTMA (United States Tire Manufacturing Association) represents the position that there is not one specific chronological age at
which tires should be removed from service because there is no data that supports a specific age.
The manufacturers say there is no fixed tire lifespan, but the people who sell them say every four? years.

I wonder why that is?

 

[philipp10]

I had this argument with various BITOG members a while back. A tire, out in the sun verses in a garage are totally different things. It's the sun that ages tires, not sitting in some warehouse. So IMHO, a 4 year old tire siting in some warehouse, while not perfect, is surely much better than a 2 year old tire on a car in Arizona.