How to Check the Date on Michelin Tires?
3 Answers
To check the date on Michelin tires, look for the DOT marking on the sidewall. The last four digits following this marking indicate the production date of the Michelin tire. The first two digits represent the week of production within the year, while the last two digits indicate the production year. Below is an introduction to the 3T indices of tires: 1. Treadwear Index: TREADWEAR reflects the tire's wear resistance. A higher value indicates greater wear resistance, which also means the tire is harder and less comfortable, and vice versa. Generally, a treadwear index between 280-320 is considered moderate, theoretically allowing the tire to last around 100,000 kilometers. 2. Traction Index: TRACTION represents the traction index, with the following letters indicating the level of traction, ranked from highest to lowest as AA, A, B, and C. 3. Temperature Grade: TEMPERATURE indicates the tire's temperature grade, with the following letters representing the tire's heat resistance level. For passenger car tires, the heat resistance grades from highest to lowest are A, B, and C.
When it comes to checking Michelin tires by "time," everyone actually misunderstands—it refers to checking the production date on the tire, which is super important for safety! There’s a small rectangular or oval mark on the tire sidewall with a series of numbers starting with DOT. I often help friends check this, and the last four digits are the most critical—the first two represent the production week (e.g., 35 means the 35th week), and the last two represent the year (e.g., 22 means 2022). For example, if you see "3522," it means the tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2022. Don’t overlook this small detail—aged tires are prone to blowouts and can make driving unstable. I recommend checking every six months by squatting down to inspect, while also looking for other signs of wear. This way, you can monitor your tire’s condition and replace them in time—safety first!
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I emphasize that tire production dates are crucial for driving safety. Michelin tires, like other brands, have a DOT code combination on the sidewall. Pay close attention to the last four digits—the first two represent the week number, and the last two indicate the year. I've encountered tire failure incidents due to expired tires simply because the dates weren't checked regularly. Generally, rubber deteriorates and hardens within six to ten years, affecting traction. Just spend ten seconds checking the date during each car wash and keep a record. Combined with regular checks on tire pressure and wear, replacing tires in advance can prevent major troubles. Don't underestimate this habit—life-saving measures start with the details.
