How to Check the Date on a Wheel?
2 Answers
The method to check the date on a wheel is by locating the DOT mark, which is usually embossed on one side of the tire. The last four digits of this mark provide information about the production date. These four digits are in the format AABB, where the first two digits AA indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits BB indicate the year. For example, 3513 means the tire was produced in the 35th week of 2013, approximately around September 2013. A wheel is a rotating component that bears the load between the tire and the axle, typically consisting of two main parts: the rim and the spokes. The rim is the part of the wheel where the tire is mounted and supported, while the spokes are the supporting components between the axle and the rim.
I've been in the auto repair industry for over 20 years, and a common question from car owners is how to check the tire date. You need to carefully examine the DOT code on the tire sidewall. The last four digits are crucial—the first two indicate the production week (e.g., '20' means the 20th week), and the last two represent the year (e.g., '23' means 2023). I often encounter cases where aged tires lead to blowouts—safety first! Tires typically become brittle after five years, so checking the date helps avoid buying old stock. I recommend checking during monthly maintenance, ensuring all tires have matching dates for better balance. Tire lifespan is also weather-dependent: summer heat accelerates aging, while winter cold causes cracks. Timely replacement saves repair costs. Remember, the date is located near the wheel hub—don’t check the wrong spot.
