When buying tires:

Make sure you are buying from a reputable seller. Check for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. Also ask for recommendations from family and friends.
Keep in mind that tires can degrade over time. Even if a tire looks new and has never been used, it could be several years old and more prone to failure.
Check a tire’s age by reviewing the identification number on the sidewall of the tire. This number begins with the letters “DOT.” The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. On newer models, the number can be found on the outside wall. On older models, the number is located on the inner sidewall. Some vehicle manufactures recommend that consumers replace tires every six years, regardless of use.
Contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, www.nhtsa.gov, for more information on tire safety.
File a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office if you believe you have been treated unfairly.