Considering that most tire manufacturers now consider 7 years to be the maximum age I wouldn’t accept 3 year old tires on a new install. Some tire shops will not service tires more than 7 years old now too.
I could understand tires that were maybe a year to 18 months. I’d bring up anything much more than that. I would suggest bringing your receipt and going back to that shop.
Welll, problem comes up on size selection. Some collector car sizes do not sell quickly as compared to newer sizes. The tire store may have installed what is available to them. Both they and their supplier will be trying to sell older stock.
Now if the car is garaged outside of while being driven, the tires do not deteriorate the same as if they are out in the sun. The 7 year is kind of arbitrary and we need to consider tire shops are looking to maximize profits like everyone else. It is like you used to put "snow tires" on the rear for winter. Now some wet behind the ears youngster gives you the routine that it changes the handling charcteristics and their insurance won't let them do that. So you have to put all 4 on the same. Almost 70 years old punk, I know how to drive. My money says many of these youth will not make it to 65 these days.
