I always insist the shop gives me stock that is less than 6 months old, and I won't use a tyre beyond 36 months (due to constant high speed runs). But a 2004 tyres is really some sort of record for

suicidal tendancies - your friend
homocidal tendancies - your friend's mechanic.

Show your friend this link and ask him to get his stuff sorted out & update his will and beneficiaries if he continues to use those tyres.