Topic: Dot markings on possible tire purchase

[Slow_lane]

So I trying to find a used set of tires for Fiat 500. Found some good looking Pirellis. So I asked them to confirm how old they are via DOT markings. To educate seller I sent them a picture of DOT marking on my tires with date circled in red.

They sent me a picture of DOT markings on the Pirelli but the format is different. I am confused how to tell age of tire. See attached.

[ktm525]

There may be a date code away from the DOT code.

[EV Dan]

What is that white stuff on the tire below? 

[tortoise]

Sometimes it's only on one side of the tire, maybe they missed it...

[Firm]

Yes, often it's only on one side of the tire.

[Slow_lane]

Went back to seller. Sure enough the DOT info I wanted was on other side of tire. They are almost like new and barely driven on.

But sadly they were manufactured in 53rd week of 2017. So they are 6.5 years old  . I am feeling I should pass on them. 

[draghon]

I dunno, if they aren't visibly cracking and in otherwise good shape I'd take a chance given the price is right (low). Especially if the car is only a summer toy. YMMV

[Slow_lane]

I dunno, if they aren't visibly cracking and in otherwise good shape I'd take a chance given the price is right (low). Especially if the car is only a summer toy. YMMV

Price is not really low enough for tires of this age. I also plan to keep Fiat for as long as possible. So if I succeed in keeping another 5  years (or longer) tires will be 11 + years old. May make a low ball offer. Not sure.

[EV Dan]

What size are your tires?

[ktm525]

If that is the plan I wouldn't buy them.

[Allen]

 

[Slow_lane]

What size are your tires?

My tire size is 195/45/R16.

Not many good tires in that size. These were Pirelli Cinturato P7. I have own a few sets and like them. I am hoping to soften the ride of Fiat a little.

Interestingly the last 4 digits of DOT code ended up being 5317. That is supposed to mean they were made on 53rd week of 2017. Just dawned on me there is not 53 weeks in a year.

[2JDM]

If that is the plan I wouldn't buy them.

Agreed. You'd want the freshest tires possible since you likely won't wear 'em down before they expire from age. Plus, a car rides soo much better with fresh rubber. 

[Slow_lane]

If that is the plan I wouldn't buy them.

Agreed. You'd want the freshest tires possible since you likely won't wear 'em down before they expire from age. Plus, a car rides soo much better with fresh rubber. 

I have passed on them. Now back to shopping.......

[EV Dan]

What size are your tires?

My tire size is 195/45/R16.

Not many good tires in that size. These were Pirelli Cinturato P7. I have own a few sets and like them. I am hoping to soften the ride of Fiat a little.

Interestingly the last 4 digits of DOT code ended up being 5317. That is supposed to mean they were made on 53rd week of 2017. Just dawned on me there is not 53 weeks in a year.

$659 all in, shipped, in ON for P7 or less for Nexen. Via a popular online tire shop. At that price I'd buy new and save on all the legwork and aggravation that comes with marketplaces.

[tortoise]

$640 all in from Quattro tires for the P7 after the rebate, though I wonder how old they will be since I was under the impression there have been newer P7 models (A/S Plus, AS 3, etc).

https://www.quattrotires.com/tires/pirelli-cinturato-p7-all-season/10271

https://www.quattrotires.com/dimensions/summer/195/45/16

[rrocket]

$640 all in from Quattro tires for the P7 after the rebate, though I wonder how old they will be since I was under the impression there have been newer P7 models (A/S Plus, AS 3, etc).

https://www.quattrotires.com/tires/pirelli-cinturato-p7-all-season/10271

https://www.quattrotires.com/dimensions/summer/195/45/16

P7 and P7 All Season Plus were always sold side by side.

P7 was the "OEM" tire.

[tortoise]

Good to know!