I spoke to the service rep and he said that Tirerack had only received the stock three months back from Conti USA.

In response to my query sent via Tirerack, Conti USA responded to Tirerack that their tyres have a shelf life of five years and therefore did no see "any issues in the matter".

I then asked Tirerack if it was Conti USA's standard policy to sell four year old "new" tyres.

I was then informed that The American Rubber Association agrees with Conti's 5 year shelf life rule. I was also told that because I had ordered tyres of a "less popular" category, it took this long for Conti to sell out the one batch they had manufactured years ago.

I do not expect to receive six month old tyres, possibly up to 18 months/two years old would be the norm, but four year old tyres?

Anyone else who can share their experiences on buying Conti tyres?

Next time, I should perhaps be looking at another brand...