How to Check the Date on Michelin Tires?
3 Answers
Michelin tire date can be checked by locating the DOT marking on the tire sidewall. The last four digits following this marking indicate the production date of the Michelin tire. Below is relevant information on how to determine the quality of Michelin tires: 1. Observe the tread color and gloss: The quality of the tire can be identified by observing the color and gloss of the tread. Genuine tires have a layered tread with a slight bevel, while counterfeit tires have a hollow tread without layering. New tires have a natural blue hue on the tread surface, whereas retreaded tires appear overly shiny. 2. Check the tire studs and computer lines: Genuine Michelin tires have clear and distinct studs and computer lines, while counterfeit tires may appear blurry or even lack them. 3. Inspect the sidewall for complete brand lettering and signs of grinding. Also, check for the mandatory national CCC certification, as well as clear markings for specifications, speed rating, load index, and load capacity. 4. Look for the minimum wear indicator: All tires have a horizontal minimum wear indicator, usually a 1.6mm raised line, to remind owners to replace the tire when worn down to this point. Continuing to use tires beyond this point can compromise water drainage and grip, leading to skidding and safety risks. Counterfeit tires often lack this indicator. 5. Verify the certificate: Officially sold Michelin tires usually come with a certificate on the label. The silver coating on the certificate can be scratched off to reveal an anti-counterfeiting code, which can be verified on Michelin's genuine tire verification platform. Additionally, watermarks and barcodes on the trademark can also help authenticate Michelin tires.
I just changed my tires, and this issue is quite important. Checking the production date of Michelin tires is actually not difficult: the DOT code is printed on the sidewall of the tire, and the last four digits of that long string of numbers represent the date. The first two digits indicate the week, and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, if you see 3520, it means the tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2020. Why is this important? Because tire aging affects safety. Generally, tires older than 6-10 years are considered old, and the rubber may harden and crack, significantly increasing the risk of a blowout. When I perform regular checks, I also clean the tire surface and use my phone's flashlight to inspect for any cracks or wear. I recommend reminding the mechanic to check during annual maintenance so that any issues can be spotted early and the tires can be replaced to avoid accidents on the road. Don’t just focus on tread depth—the date is a hidden killer!
If you're an average car owner looking to save money and stay safe, here's a tip. The production date of Michelin tires is hidden in the last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall. The first two digits indicate the week, and the last two indicate the year. For example, 1021 means the tire was produced in the 10th week of 2021. To check, find a well-lit spot, bend down to examine the tire edge, and wipe off the dust to locate the code. Don’t push your luck with old tires—generally, if they’re over ten years old, it’s time to consider replacing them. Otherwise, if they degrade and fail at high speeds, the consequences could be serious. I usually use an app to track the dates and remind myself, so I don’t have to replace tires too often, saving on maintenance costs. While you’re at it, check the tire pressure and wear—it’s quick and easy.
