Modern Tires

OK- I'm an old fart that needs to be educated about modern tires. Went to a tire shop yesterday to get a flat repair. They wouldn't repair it because said that the tire was too old! They are 6 years old. I am hearing this more often- that our tires are old if we see some aging (cracking) and they need to be replaced. Am I to assume that the quality of tires recently has gotten so bad that they need to be replaced because of "old age"? Seems like an excuse just to sell more tires. Am I wrong? Please educate me.


I think of it this way.. The rubber in your tires isn't supposed to crack, it's supposed to flex. If it is cracked, then it's because its drying out, old, torn etc. Time to replace it. Texas is BRUTAL on tires, as is I'm sure places like AZ, NM, etc. Hot as balls down here.