How is the date displayed on a tire?
2 Answers
Tire production dates are located on the outer edge of the tire. The 11-digit number and letters immediately following the "DOT" marking on the tire sidewall represent the tire's identification number or serial number. The last four digits of the serial number indicate the tire's production date. The production date is used to identify the age and storage time of the tire. The tire production date code format: the first two digits represent the production week, and the last two digits represent the production year. For example, 1204 means the tire was produced in the 12th week of 2004. Five situations that require tire replacement: 1. The production date is approaching; 2. Severe tread wear; 3. Whether the tire has bubbles; 4. Abnormal tire pressure; 5. Whether the tire has cuts.
Checking the tire date is quite simple. Just look for the DOT mark on the sidewall of the tire, which is a combination of letters and numbers. Usually, the last four digits indicate the production date. The first two digits represent the week of the year it was produced, and the last two digits are the last two digits of the year. For example, if you see 2118, it means the tire was produced in the 21st week of 2018. The lifespan of a tire is generally around six to ten years. Beyond this period, tires start to harden and age, increasing the risk of blowouts and accidents at high speeds. Every time I buy a car or replace tires, I carefully check the date to avoid purchasing new tires that have been in stock for too long. In practical use, older tires with poor grip are more dangerous during hot summers or rainy, slippery conditions. Therefore, regular inspections are important, and don't rely solely on vehicle inspections to identify issues.
