How to Check the Age of Car Tires?
3 Answers
To check the age of car tires, look at the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits indicate the production date: the first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. Tires, commonly referred to as 'car tires,' are typically made of wear-resistant rubber materials and can be divided into solid tires and pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires consist of an inner tube and an outer tire. When seasons change, it's important to adjust tire pressure, with the ideal adjustment times being November and May. Steps to replace a tire: 1. Use a jack to align with the support points under the car and lift the vehicle; 2. Remove the tire once it is completely off the ground; 3. Install the new tire and tighten the screws in a diagonal pattern.
I find it very easy to check the production date of car tires by looking at the DOT marking on the tire sidewall. The last four digits of that alphanumeric code are key: the first two digits represent the production week (from 1 to 52), and the last two digits represent the year. For example, if you see 0722, it means the tire was manufactured in the 7th week of 2022. Every time I inspect my tires, I squat down to carefully check these numbers and record them in my phone notes. Tire rubber naturally ages, and tires older than 5-6 years are prone to cracking and bubbling, which can be especially dangerous during summer heat or winter cold, potentially leading to blowouts or longer braking distances. I recommend spending 5 minutes each quarter to check the date and surface condition of all tires, looking for fine cracks or bulges, while also measuring if the tire pressure is normal. Safe driving starts here, and developing this habit can save you a lot of money—don’t wait for small issues to turn into major accidents.
To check the tire age, simply look for the DOT code on the sidewall. After parking, bend down and inspect the tire sidewall to find the alphanumeric string starting with DOT. Focus on the last four digits: the first two represent the week, and the last two indicate the year. Recently, while helping a friend inspect her car, I noticed her tire showed '4319,' meaning it was manufactured in the 43rd week of 2019—already aged enough to warrant immediate replacement. Expired tires not only affect handling but also increase the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions due to brittle rubber, significantly raising the danger during long-distance driving. It's best to use a mobile app or a logbook to track the dates, ensuring no tire exceeds a 5-year usage period. Tire lifespan is also influenced by driving habits; frequent hard braking and acceleration can accelerate wear. Regular inspections and timely replacements are essential—only with well-maintained tires can you drive with peace of mind.
