TikTok User Discovered Stale Tires Sold at Walmart
Shoppers should verify manufacture dates on tire sidewalls to avoid buying aged, potentially brittle rubber.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Auto Parts
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A viral TikTok video highlighted tires sold at Walmart with manufacture dates ranging from 2018 to 2023. These findings have renewed questions for drivers about the shelf life of new tires and how to check them before purchase.
Why it matters
Rubber compounds harden and crack over time, even when unused, which can affect long-term performance and safety. Buyers should be aware that federal law does not mandate a specific sell-through timeframe for new tires.
The viral video identified tires with manufacture dates spanning 2018 to 2023, with some discounted items priced at $100 and $200 compared to original prices of $218 and $406. Federal regulations regarding tire advertising have not restricted these sales since 2004.
The players
Walmart
A major national retailer known for its automotive service centers and tire sales.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The federal agency responsible for developing safety standards and providing guidance on tire longevity.
Federal Trade Commission
The regulatory body that manages consumer protection and previously maintained tire advertising rules.
The details
Tire identification numbers are required on at least one sidewall and include a final group of digits representing the week and year of manufacture. Tires stored in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight may break down faster as the rubber ages. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration generally recommends that drivers replace tires that reach six to 10 years of age, regardless of how much tread remains.
Timeline
1991: Sale of a tire originally built in 1986.
1996: NHTSA provided guidance to a lawyer regarding tire age.
2004: Federal Trade Commission rescinded rules on tire advertising.
September 11, 2026: Date of the TikTok video filming.
The Home Front
The retail tire market currently operates without federal mandates for the sale of tires based on their age, following the 2004 FTC rescission of tire advertising rules. This environment leaves the responsibility for verifying product freshness primarily with the consumer at the point of sale.
Before making a purchase, inspect the tire sidewall to locate the identification number and decode the week and year of production. If you are unsure about the condition of tires already on your vehicle, have a professional technician assess them for signs of rubber degradation.
The takeaway
Since retail tires do not have a mandatory expiration date, check the sidewall identification numbers before you buy. Remember that even unused tires harden and crack over time, and aim to replace any tires that are older than six to 10 years.
Further reading
Learn more about selecting components for your vehicle in our Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motor1.
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Should retailers be permitted to sell older, unused inventory to customers as brand new tires?
