How old is a normal tire production date?
2 Answers
Tires with a production date around half a year are considered normal. Under standard conditions, tires need approximately six months for the rubber molecules to stabilize, resulting in better elasticity and wear resistance. To check a tire's production date: 1. Locate the four-digit code on the tire sidewall; 2. The first two digits indicate the production week of the year; 3. The last two digits represent the production year. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly remove stones lodged in tread grooves; 2. Minimize prolonged sun exposure; 3. Monitor tire pressure routinely; 4. Maintain suspension systems properly; 5. Schedule periodic front-wheel alignment checks.
Last time when I changed my car tires, I noticed one tire was already 7 years past its production date. The tread was worn flat and small cracks had appeared, which made me realize the safety issue. You can check the tire production date by looking at the last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall, for example, 3122 means the 31st week of 2022. Generally speaking, the safe service life is about 6 to 8 years under normal usage, but this isn't absolute. It mainly depends on your driving frequency, road conditions, and storage environment. If the car is often parked under direct sunlight or frequently driven on rough roads, the tires will age faster and may need inspection after just 5 years. After that incident, I immediately replaced my tires and now have them checked at the repair shop every six months. I suggest you don't wait until they're too old to avoid the risk of breakdowns or blowouts on the road. As for storing new tires, keep them in a cool and dry place to extend their lifespan by several years.
