In September 2001, on the initiative and under the direction of the federal association of the tyre and vulcaniser trade, leading representatives of the the German tyre industry drew up a joint statement on the frequently discussed and variedly interpreted issue on the maximal length of time indicated as 'several years' in terms of this guideline. The tyre manufacturers Bridgestone/Firestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli unanimously recommend car owners the following: When buying or selling a car tyre, make sure that the date of manufacture does not date back more than five years. This means by implication that an unused tyre - provided it has been stored appropriately - is considered to be in mint condition even five years after the date of manufacture and therefore may be sold as a new tyre.
The description "discontinued" after the tyre dimension points out that this particular tread will no longer be produced by the manufacturer in the current season. Untill all items are sold out, remainders of stock will be available within the industry.
The ECE-R 117 directive defines the EU limits for the noise of tyres.
The "S" in combination with a series of digits on a tyre wall indicates a tyre with reduced running noise. Passenger car tyres without the S-tag may not be sold after a staggered transition period.
Transition periods for the S-tag:
- From 1st October 2009 for passenger car tyres (according to ECE-R 30) with a cross-sectional width up to and including 185 millimetres.
- From 1st October 2010 for passenger car tyres (according to ECE-R 30) with a cross-sectional width of 195 to 215 millimetres.
- From 1st October 2011 for passenger car tyres (according to ECE-R 30) with a cross-sectional width over 215 millimetres.