The reporter doesn't know what he's talking about in the last part of his report on the "cryptic code found on the sidewall of the tire", when he mentions that until recently the code has been on the inside of the tire. Now, I work in the tire industry, so this will be an expert statement. The date part of the DOT-code is on one side of the tire. If the tire is mounted at the dealership in a way that the code is on the inside, tough cookies. It's not a grand scheme plotted by tire manufacturers.
My advice is that people avoid driving with tires older than 5-6 years. The rubber not only starts cracking with age, but the compound also becomes harder and -> very slippery on wet surfaces, regardless of tread depth. So if it's not tire failure, they're just a bitch to drive, as well as noisy.
I'm actually surprised by the fact that the information of rubber compound aging hasn't been spread in the US, of all nations. Tire dealers should be informed not to sell old tires (it's not the consumers job to find out but it is the dealers job to inform). The fellow interviewed from the rubber manufacturers association (or what it was) says that there's no scientific information to back up the six year age limit. It's common knowledge. Naturally the way tires are stored affect the level of aging, so there is no rule of thumb on old tires. This is why it's impossible to set a "Best before" date on tires. However, the use of common sense is allowed. Not lawsuits, common sense.
The tire failures in the beginning of the report tell me that there's more to it than just old tires. E.g. condensation inside the tire if the tubeless structure is compromised will lead to steel ply corrosion and tread separation, under inflation will cause sidewalls to rupture. The load index of the tire might be too small for the vehicle in which it is mounted, the speed rating might be too small for highway use. All of this affects the performance of the tire. The older the tire gets, the more it matters.
When you buy tires, if the dealer isn't that professionally skilled, check for the following:
- DOT-date code (you know how to check it now)
- Load index (can the tire handle the weight of your car)
- Speed rating (how fast you can drive with the tire)
..and of course if the tire dimension is in compliance with your car.
Here's a pretty concise explanation of sidewall markings:

The#1Spot wrote:
If you can find the code on your tire post the date it was made.
3707
VicktorVauhn wrote:
TBH if the rubber of your tires isn't hardened or cracking from age... you probably don't have anything to worry about.
Aye.
I need around tree fiddy.