How to Check the Date of New Car Tires?
2 Answers
Method to check the date of new car tires: There is a set of 4-digit numbers on the side of the tire, which represents the production date of the tire. The last 2 digits of this set of numbers indicate the year, and the first 2 digits indicate the week of production in that year. Here is a partial introduction about the 3T index of tires: Treadwear Index: TREADWEAR reflects the wear resistance of the tire. The higher the value, the more wear-resistant the tire is, but it also means the tire is harder and less comfortable, and vice versa. Generally, a treadwear index between 280-320 is moderate, theoretically allowing the tire to run about 100,000 kilometers. Traction Index: TRACTION represents the traction index, and the following letters indicate the strength of the traction, ranging from high to low as AA, A, B, and C. Temperature Grade: TEMPERATURE A indicates the temperature grade of the tire. The following letters represent the high-temperature resistance level of the tire, with the levels for passenger car tires ranging from high to low as A, B, and C.
I just bought a new car and was excited to find out how fresh the tires are. Actually, it's quite simple—the tire date is on the DOT code on the sidewall, with the last four digits being the key. For example, ‘3522’ means the first two digits, 35, indicate the 35th week of production, and the last two digits, 22, stand for the year 2022. This means it was manufactured in late August 2022. This date is crucial because tires age over time, and the rubber material hardens, potentially leading to safety hazards while driving. New cars usually come with relatively fresh tires, but it’s best to check all four tires to ensure their dates match, in case some were replaced with older stock. I recommend glancing at this code during every maintenance check and considering other factors to assess tire lifespan. Generally, tires should be replaced every five to six years—don’t just rely on tread depth to judge their condition. The storage environment for new cars also matters, as high temperatures and sun exposure accelerate aging, so parking in a garage can help extend tire life.
