Like previous reviewer, my replacement was almost 2 years old when I got it. It wasn't dried out, cracked or dirty and appeared to have been properly stored in a clean, dry warehouse. It was unused and the small bumps on the tread showed no signs of wear. It's exactly the same make/model of tires and exactly the same chrome rim as my Kar Kaddy SS. Looks like it'll do a good job - I hope I never need it!