How to Check the Date on a Tire?
2 Answers
Tire dates can be identified by looking at the letters and numbers on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits indicate the production date of the tire. For tires manufactured after 2000, the last four digits of the Tire Identification Number (TIN) represent the production date. Among these four digits, the last two indicate the production year (e.g., 'xx18' means the tire was produced in 2018), while the first two digits represent the production week (e.g., '3518' means the tire was produced in the 35th week of 2018). Generally, the shelf life of a car tire is three years, as tires are primarily made of rubber, which has a three-year shelf life. Therefore, tires should be replaced every three years. When purchasing tires, always choose those with the most recent production date.
Having driven for decades, learning to read tire dates is crucial. On the sidewall of the tire, there's a DOT marking, often accompanied by a series of letters and numbers. You need to look for the last three or four digits. For example, seeing '3523' means the tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2023. Aged tires are prone to blowouts, especially dangerous at high speeds. I recommend checking them every six months, and while you're at it, feel the tread wear. Don't just look at the surface; tires over six years old should be replaced, even if the tread appears deep. Make it a habit to take a quick glance every time you wash your car or refuel—it saves money and lives. This method is simple and practical, requiring no tools, just your own eyes.
