6 years for new tires? Most tires are worn out by then, if not then it is likely that the car is garaged and not driven as much, not exposed to the sun as much.

An ambiguous number like that is great for tire companies, but completely useless and misleading IMO.

If you live in the sun-deprived West Michigan for example, and garage your car, and cover it outside at times, and drive it summers only (or have summer/winter tires), your tires can easily last 10years or more. Once your tires begin to start hardening and cracking you're finished no matter how new/old they are. I've had 10-year-old Michelins that were in great shape, I also bought a vehicle from Texas with 18-month old (by date code) Yokohamas that were already badly cracked.

What we need more than a one-size-fits-all expiration date on tires is intelligent inspection of tires, many cars here in the US would never be allowed on the road / would never pass the T.U.V. inspection in Germany, they actually inspect the car for safety, ... what a concept.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff