If the tires are a year old, don't accept them.

I have always requested fresh date-code tires when buying them, and have always received them. There are a few exceptions to the rule, one being some 365 Michelins that are apparently only produced once or twice per year, but otherwise never a problem.

Once the salesman knows you're concerned about the date code, they will deliver. Ask for the dates before they're installed. My local store won't accept old tires. Some stores/chains will buy lots of old tires for a discounted price. They have a choice to sell fresh or sell older for a larger profit.

If you're buying an old date-code tires, they're already aged. Whether the warranty starts when they're installed doesn't really matter if you can't get them installed or can't race on them, plus some of us only use our cars seasonally so the tires age-out before they wear out. The warranty is usually pro-rated, and you will pay. Best is to not have to replace the tires under warranty.

Old tires are harder, usually don't have the ride and grip of new ones, you can reduce the effect of aging by bagging and properly storing the tires in a cool dry area with no UV light and no ozone, ... but they still age.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff