Utah Driver Finds Nine-Year-Old Tires on Used Mercedes
A Utah resident discovered that the tires on his recently purchased vehicle were manufactured in early 2017.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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After a tire pressure warning light activated, a Utah driver discovered his 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 S was equipped with tires manufactured nearly a decade ago. He identified the age by checking the Department of Transportation date code on the tire sidewalls.
Why it matters
Tires degrade over time regardless of tread depth, prompting safety experts to advise against using rubber that is older than six to ten years. This discovery highlights the importance of checking manufacturing dates when purchasing pre-owned vehicles to avoid hidden maintenance costs.
The 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 S, purchased for $43,000 with 31,000 miles on the odometer, is now expected to require $2,000 for a full set of replacement tires. Industry standards suggest inspections after five years and full replacement between six and 10 years.
The players
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
This federal agency is responsible for keeping people safe on America's roadways by setting safety standards and monitoring vehicle recalls.
Goodyear
This is a major global tire manufacturer that provides consumer guidance on tire safety and maintenance intervals.
Michelin
This tire company offers technical recommendations for the inspection and replacement of aging automotive tires.
The details
The owner determined the tires were produced between January 29 and February 4, 2017, by decoding the number 0517 found on the rubber. He shared his findings in an October 2026 video that gained 11,200 views as he prepared for the necessary replacement.
Timeline
January 29 to February 4, 2017: The vehicle tires were manufactured.
October 2026: The vehicle owner posted a video about the tires.
Roadmap
This incident highlights a broader industry trend where used vehicle buyers must perform deeper mechanical due diligence beyond simple mileage checks. It underscores the ongoing gap between official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety standards and the realities of the pre-owned car market.
Used car buyers should verify the four-digit Department of Transportation code on tire sidewalls to confirm the production week and year before finalizing a purchase. Failure to do so may result in immediate, unexpected maintenance costs of $2,000 or more to replace aging equipment.
The takeaway
Drivers should manually inspect tire age codes during vehicle walkarounds, as tires can expire while maintaining high tread levels. Always factor potential immediate service costs into your total purchase budget when buying used luxury performance vehicles.
Further reading
For more information on vehicle safety checks, visit the Car Maintenance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motor1.
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