YOU KNOW IT!!!!!!!

When I purchased my 82 the tires all had good tread and a 97 date code. The car was 35 miles from my house and I had the owner bring it to me as I would not drive it with those tires. My concerns were a failure and body damage and if that happened it would be his problem and not mine.
The car was placed on 4 jack stands the next day, tires/wheels removed and taken to town for replacements. My first drive was worry free and very enjoyable.
For my vehicles tires get replaced when they are past certain ages. Cars and trucks no more than 5 years, motorcycle 3 years and my trailers every 4 years. It is also important to ask to see the date codes when buying new tires. Dealers will not sell you a tire with a old date if they know you are knowledgeable. My buddy bought 4 tires for his truck when he purchased it in 2007, all 4 were dated 2003 and 2 failed 3 years later causing damage to his vehicle.
I recently switched from BFG TA radials to BFG g-Force tires. What a difference. Smoother ride, great handling even in wet weather.

Good info, with everything else going on in the world I was not thinking tires as they were 06 and look good. I had enough other things to do to get the driver going that that  did not stick out as  the next thing needed. I know now!  BB78

Phil, Its good to know that you keep a close eye on the age of your tires. I sell about 35 - 40 tires a month in my shop. I never used to look for a date code until about 2 years ago when the special aired on TV about tire failure and age of tires. I now look at every tire I sell. I have never received a tire since I began watching that has been more then 6 months old. I cant speak for the age of tires before that special was aired. I have been selling tires since I was 16 years old working for my dad. In all that time I dont remember any of the tires failing with the exception of the firestone issue on the Fords. I never sold Firestone so I cant say what the true problem there was. I think it was under inflation. I think we should start a new thread asking members to check their tire dates and let everyone know how old their tires are. That might get an old unsafe tire noticed where it may go undetected if no one looks. I know I bought my 74 5 years ago and the tires werent new at that time although they probably only have about 5000 total miles on them. I think I will replace them this fall. Lets see how many will answer the tire age question. I'll start a thread.
Rodney

That special educated a lot of people about tires, but unfortunately not enough.
I had this happen about 8 years ago, notice the tread looks new, it was a trailer tire that had come apart at 70 mph.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/editfile018.jpg
and have watched for cracking and bubbles ever since. When I found out about date codes I payed attention to those also. Are you guys aware that ALL trailer tires are only rated for a top speed of 65 mph. I didn't and now only tow at 65 mph where in the past it was closer to 80.