Aftermarket tire sales are lucrative, but some issues need
attention. In addition to prices going up as raw material costs
increase, a small fee may be charged to fund the TIRES—Tire
Initiative for Research, Education and Safety—program that
educates consumers on safety. The growing tuner market seems to fuel
the biggest growth, and old musclecars also need tires. The most
significant issue soon to affect the tire market is the likelihood
of a born-on dating or expiration date requirement for tires.

A safety group, Safety Research & Strategies Inc., has asked the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require
easy-to-read born-on dates on tires, and they want a government-
issue consumer alert to make motorists aware of dates. According to
a study conducted by the firm, worn tires caused more than 50
crashes and the list is growing. The group doesn't want tires sold
that have been stored for more than 6 years, but large tire
wholesalers and retailers do not see a big problem because they turn
over stock frequently. Nevertheless, players in the tire industry
worry about misuse of law, especially if there is life left on the
tire. The NHTSA is conducting its own research and may make an
announcement in June.

Source: http://www.Automotivedigest.com