Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tm...19&e=1&u=/ap/20041108/ap_on_re_us/tire_safety

Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

1 hour, 4 minutes ago

DETROIT - A consumer group has asked the government to require "born-on" dates for tires, citing dozens of fatal crashes linked to older tires.

Massachusetts-based Safety Research & Strategies Inc. sent the request Friday to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (news - web sites) and included an analysis of 50 crashes involving older tires.

SRS President Sean Kane said rubber can begin to degrade after six years even if tires have never been used.

"It's an invisible hazard," he told The Detroit News for Monday's editions.

But some in the industry deny that. Donald Shea, president of the Rubber Manufacturers Association, said there is no research showing that a specific age makes a tire less strong, and adding dates could create a false sense of security that newer tires are safe, regardless of conditions, maintenance or wear.

"We've got safety concerns," Shea said. "But we would like to make a decision based on data."

NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson said the agency had not yet reviewed the petition. The agency turned its attention to tires four years ago after at least 271 people were killed and hundreds more injured in accidents involving Firestone ATX tires, which were recalled.

RE: Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

Depending on conditions tires can age and dry out faster than normal. Under proper conditions, they can also stay supple longer than normal. My Mark VIII original Goodyear tires were dry after 4 years and had no traction in wet weather anymore. On the other hand, I know people who are still running their cars on tires that are 50 years old.

Alexander
President
Lincolns of Distinction

RE: Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

And that, Alexander, is why born on dating for tires is a stupid idea. I can just see some idiot driving around on bald tires with belts popping out saying "they're not expired yet, they're fine!"

Only automotive enthusiasts should be allowed to have anything to do with any automotive legislation.

RE: Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

I could have a birthday party for my tires!

RE: Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

I guess the birthday cake would look like this:

http://www.suker.org/Gallery/AndrewErinBDay2002/images/AndrewBDayCakeTireFourth.jpg

Of course, you would need to name your tires.

Alexander
President
Lincolns of Distinction

RE: Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

It already states when which week and year the tire was manufactured in on every tire.

RE: Group Seeks 'Born-On' Dates for Tires

Thank you Moe.

The US DOT requires all tire manufactures that sell tires in the US to have a "born on date". it has been that way since the well, before I learned to drive.

I guess that group of non-drivers in Mass needs to do some homework first.

if in doubt folks, go look at your tires. The DOT# ;s last 3 digits are the week, and the year.

for example:
DOT- XU5R SK1 364

this would indicate the tire's model, plant, and it was "born on" the 36'th week of a year ending in "4". well, we can most likely figure out that it was a 2004 just by the design, model number etc.