I always check those dates, even at tire shops. I almost got burned one time on a set of Michelins on my truck. About 3 weeks and 500 miles in and had a blow out from the tread separating. Michelin wouldnt honor it because the tire was made in 1997 and this was 2008. Said it was from age. Not that I blame them really, it was the tire shops responsibility to check those dates. Tire shop did replace it though so all good. And it was the only one of the 4 that was out of date, other 3 all had same date