[jonatious]

I found 2018 built winter tires 50% off from TireRack. It might be 4 years old since built when I start using it next season. Is it okay to buy such tires to save $$ or is it worth buying close to Nov/Dec this year?

[Fennario]

Depends on how long you want to run the tires. Probably fine for a 3 year lease but would not want them on my car after that. Rubber ages and looses pliability - something that is critical for winter tires.

[gqgambler]

Originally Posted by jonatious

I found 2018 built winter tires 50% off from TireRack. It might be 4 years old since built when I start using it next season. Is it okay to buy such tires to save $$ or is it worth buying close to Nov/Dec this year?

Yes, its Ok to buy. Typically tire life is 7-8 years before you have to worry. Since they are from TireRack, I assume that they have been stored appropriately in a temperature controlled facility, so go ahead and save the money.

[BAO_72]

If stored in the appropriate manner no problem. If not... Seen a test a few years ago with only 2 season old winter tires (last years top tier) unused but been exposed to environment. The performance drop was massive so it depends on how they been stored. Shouldnt be a problem as long as in a relatively constant humidity / tempered environment without UV exposure

[GREENPUS]

I would use them if they show no sign of cracking or dry rot on side walls.
I'm picky when it comes to motorcycle tires so I would only use the newest on my bikes.

[jad03060]

IMHO, it depends! If you need the full capacity of the winter tires, then, no, I would not buy them. If you have choices on when you drive, and avoid the really bad stuff, maybe. Think of winter tires as insurance...you hope you never need them, but when you do, you're glad you have them...an extra 5' of stopping distance can mean the difference between a good and bad outcome. Fresh tires work better.

[jonatious]

Thanks all for the inputs. I decided to go for new tires + wheels next season by end of this year. I am only loosing $500-$600, thats nothing compared to the cost of the car

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jonatious

... or is it worth buying close to Nov/Dec this year?

Since you’ve decided to wait and buy fresh/new winter tires...my advice is NOT to wait until Nov/Dec to look for them. You should start earlier. Many times the major national tire dealers/chains like TireRack, DiscountTire/America’s Tire, etc start running sales/deals in the fall like around Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, or a few weeks before Thanksgiving.

If you wait till late Nov/Dec and you have an unusual size or a very common size...you may find the pickings slim if there is an early run on winter tires due to early inclement weather or if some emergency in the market hampers the manufacturing (bump in COVID cases again, or a ship blocks the Suez Canal or some natural or unnatural disaster occurs).

Again, check the market early in the fall to see what’s available and out there. The major chains can tell you how many tires (in the size you need) are in their chain of availability which can help you determine when you need to strike (buy) for the sizes you need. And again, may help you navigate when the sales are on and save some money.

Good luck.

[-Vanguard-]

You're driving a 90K truck and thinking of buying used tires to save $200? Really?

[jad03060]

The winter tires start getting made in the late spring and through the summer for the most part, and fresh ones start to show up at the dealers late summer and early fall. Be careful, then, though, as you might still get last year's run, so ask, and then, double-check the date code molded into the tires to ensure you are getting the freshest ones, at least from that year. You'll not only be getting the freshest stuff with the longest service life, but their latest tweaks to the design they may have incorporated into their latest run.

[jonatious]

Originally Posted by -Vanguard-

You're driving a 90K truck and thinking of buying used tires to save $200? Really?

They are not used tires, they are old unsold tires and its $600 difference

[jad03060]

I generally age my tires out before they get worn out. There is a noticeable difference in the grip and compliance between an old, age hardened tire's rubber and fresh stuff. TOday's mixes are better than they were, so they are less likely to crack and split, but depending on the condition they're used and stored, it's still possible.

Personally, I consider it cheap insurance to ensure I get fresh tires rather than some a few years (or older!) tires. Maybe if I was a really high mileage driver, and expected to wear them out in a year, I might try to save the money, but industry guidelines call for replacing any tire when it's over 6-years from manufacturing date. The vehicle I traded in for the X5 had had both the summer and winter tires replaced because of age, not from them wearing out. I'm selling another one next week, and those tires are old, but I didn't drive it much at all, and will leave that up to the buyer...it's only a mile or so to where I need to go to drop it off.

[luckylingy]

I’d spend the extra money on tires produced in 2021, and I definitely endorse Tire Rack (been a customer of theirs since mid1980s). Expect them to supply you newly minted tires if you specify them.

[jonatious]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

I’d spend the extra money on tires produced in 2021, and I definitely endorse Tire Rack (been a customer of theirs since mid1980s). Expect them to supply you newly minted tires if you specify them.

The 50% off which saves $600 was only old 2018 stock and yeah it should be new and mint. But yeah I decided to go for 2021 built by end of this year