How to Check the Age of Tires?
2 Answers
Locate the DOT on the sidewall of the tire; the last four digits of the DOT indicate the production date of the tire. The typical service life of car tires is 5 years or 60,000-80,000 kilometers. More details about the tire date code are as follows: 1. The tire date code consists of four digits: "AABB." The first two digits "AA" indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits "BB" indicate the year. 2. For example, if the DOT code is "3513," it means the tire was produced in the 35th week of 2013. If you cannot find the production date after the DOT, it might be on the other side of the tire. If you cannot find the DOT, the tire might be mounted inside out, with the production date on the inner side.
Checking tire age is quite straightforward, and I make it a habit during daily drives. First, locate the DOT code on the tire sidewall—especially the last four digits, which indicate the manufacturing date. For example, ‘1023’ means the tire was produced in the 10th week of 2023. Over time, tires harden and age, becoming prone to cracks or even blowouts, so I recommend regular inspections and considering replacement every 6 years. I learned this the hard way during a long business trip when old tires nearly caused an accident on the highway. Since then, I always glance at the codes while washing or refueling my car. Remember, safety comes first—don’t overlook these details. Additionally, combining this with proper maintenance, like maintaining correct tire pressure, can extend their lifespan. In short, make it a routine to avoid future hassles.
