How to Check the Date on Car Tires?
3 Answers
To check the date on car tires, look for a set of numbers on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits provide information about the production date: the first two digits indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. The functions of car tires include: 1. Supporting the weight of the vehicle; 2. Ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; 3. Improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capabilities; 4. Directly contacting the road surface and working with the vehicle's suspension to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring a comfortable ride and smooth driving. Methods for maintaining car tires include: 1. Regularly removing debris from the tire treads; 2. Checking tire wear and replacing them when necessary; 3. Periodically checking tire pressure; 4. Promptly repairing punctures.
I've been driving for decades and know how to check tire dates like the back of my hand. There's a DOT marking on the tire sidewall, followed by a string of numbers where the last four digits indicate the production date. For example, 1518 means the 18th week of 2015. As tires age, the rubber deteriorates and can crack or blow out even if the tread is deep, so I make it a habit to check my car's tires regularly. Remember, tires older than 6 years should be replaced—safety first. Every week when I check the tire pressure, I also note down the date in a little notebook. It's dangerous when people only focus on tire pressure and forget about aging. Last time, my neighbor had a tire blowout on the highway, and it turned out the tire was 9 years old—trying to save money ended up costing more. I recommend new drivers develop this habit too; don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.
When I first bought my car, a friend taught me how to check the tire date. The four-digit number after the DOT code on the side of the tire represents the week and year, like 2410 for the 10th week of 2024. The first time I changed a tire myself after learning to drive, I checked and found it was expired, so I replaced it immediately. Now I feel much more at ease when driving. Tire dates are important—ignoring them might save money but poses serious safety risks, especially during long summer trips. I also recommend taking a quick look during monthly car washes and checking tire pressure and wear at the same time. Beginners often overlook this detail, but it’s actually super simple and crucial for keeping the car in good condition and avoiding trouble on the road.
