JZ98-993

Looking for some advice here, I recently purchased a set of new Pirelli P-zeros from Discount Tire which due to the sizes had to be ordered directly from Pirelli. During the installation the manager noticed the front tires had a 2009 build date and the rears had a 2012 build date. He proactively told me they would contact Pirelli and get a new set for the front with a newer build date and swap them out. When I called to check in he informed me Pirelli sent him another set with a 2009 build date and when he called back to escalate he was told by Pirelli they have no newer tires in that size (225/40/18) in their warehouse. Now Discount Tire is telling me, they dont have an option and that there is nothing wrong with the tires since they were stored "properly" in the Pirelli warehouse.

Im not happy about this as I just got new tires that are 4 years old, apparently according to Pirelli their warranties all go off of the date of purchase of the tire, not the date of manufacture so I would be covered from that aspect. But Im wondering if I'll get hit on this as I've seen on some DE tech forms they want to see tires 5 years or newer.

Should I not worry about this or do you think I should fight Discount Tire/Pirelli to get newer tires? Your advise is appreciated

Magdaddy

Don't follow Pirelli tires too much...is there a newer tread design, or are the most current P-Zero's the same?

Simply impossible to believe that Pirelli has not manufactured any 225/40/18 P-Zero's since 2009. Gotta call bull**** there.

Call the Tirerack, and ask them to look up the build date for the P-Zero's they have in stock there, just for grins and giggles.

and what exactly does "stored properly" mean anyway...stacked on their side with other tires atop of them, or arranged singuarly on a rack and rotated periodically?

Most agree to replace any tire that is 6 years old, without mileage exception. You believe your gonna have trouble in scrutineering also. Unless you plan on burning these up in one year, I wouldn't settle for it. That being said, you simply may not have any options.

Might this be enough, to say enough...with Pirelli tires?

Pags993

I spent 8 years in the tire industry - manufacturing side - if the tires are stored correctly you should be fine as they are subject to some stringent storage practices. But... that does not address the DE age concerns or the fact that you were handed 2 fairly new tires and 2 - 4 year old one's.

High perf tires are generally built in large batches infrequently which accounts for the longer storage dates before. From a pure performance and longevity standpoint I personally would not be worried about 2009 build from one of the major brands.

goofballdeluxe

If you drive, say, 20K a year in your 993 and/or DE your car quite often, this is not a problem. The tires will be worn out far beyond the time the age of the tire is a factor.

If you put only 2K a year in your 993, then the 2009 manufacture date is more of a concern.

nine9six

goofball is right on the mark; and if it were me, I'd find a different brand of tire. What if an accident ensues and your insurance claims the age of your tires as a significant contributing factor? Do you see Pirelli forking over any liability dollars?
I'm jus sayin...

cgfen

I wouldn't accept them, have them order 235's instead.

matt777

TR says not to put on tires that are 3 years old or older. I would not accept them.

RonCT

I'd reject them outright. 5 years is the published "limit" for age of tires by most manufacturers. The irony is they probably support that in order to enable retailers to justify the need for a new set from time to time for low-mileage drivers. I've had some tires age-out before they wear-out and there really can be a significant difference in grip / braking with "old / hard" compound.

When I buy tires I inquire on date codes. If RA1s for the track and I know I'll use them up in 1 season and they are 3-4 years old, no problem. They will wear out first. But a street tire that I expect to have for 3-4 years, I insist on current date codes. You are paying 100% price, so you should get 100% use. Now if because they are 4 years old if they said "we'll take 50% off because we know you'll have to replace them in a year or 2 tops..." then that's different. At least then you can make a choice to accept with discount or reject and buy fresh tires.

pirahna

I'm not a fan of Pirell so I would definitely make them take them back and get a set of Michelin's

JZ98-993

thanks guys for the feedback, Im working with their management currently and see where I get

JZ98-993

FWIW - Im pleased with how Discount Tire has handled this situation. They escalated once again with Pirelli and were told the same thing, 2009 is the latest in the warehouse. Discount tire is going to take the set back and Im going to replace them with the Michelin PS2 (assuming we dont have another date issue, which I doubt). I just wish they made the Michelin SS in the rear size 295/30/18.. oh well PS2's are still good just $$

Anyway, from my brief time with them (100 miles or so) the new Pirelli P-Zero's seem to be great tires. They ride 100x better than my Sumitomo's and have great dry grip and they are about $400+ less than the PS2. Too bad Im not able to keep them, but Im unwilling to accept 4 year old tires

RonCT

Not sure if you looked into this, but Continental DW are a pretty amazing tire and are probably quite a bit less than PS2s. That's what I'd be putting on my car if I needed tires right now. $750 for a set of 4 at Tire Rack in 225/285, just a little more for 225/295.

JZ98-993

Yeah, I've read great things on the Conti DW but unfortunately they don't make a 295/30/18. That size is becoming increasingly limited in selection

RonCT

Why not the Conti 285? It's tread width is 11", which is almost half an inch wider than other 285s. Heck, it's even wider than Pirelli's 295 (10.8"). Some tires run "wide" and the DW looks to be one.