How to Check the Manufacturing Date of a Tire?
2 Answers
On one side of the tire, there is usually a DOT marking. The tire manufacturing date code format is as follows: the first two digits indicate the production week, and the last two digits indicate the production year. Below is related information about the functions of tires: 1. Support the entire weight of the vehicle, bear the load of the car, and transmit forces and moments in other directions. 2. Transmit traction and braking torque to ensure good adhesion between the wheel and the road surface, improving the car's power, braking, and passability; work together with the car suspension to mitigate impacts during driving and dampen resulting vibrations. 3. Prevent severe vibrations and early damage to car components, adapt to the vehicle's high-speed performance, reduce driving noise, and ensure driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and energy efficiency.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I'm often asked by friends how to check tire dates. Simply put, each tire has a DOT code embossed on its sidewall. Look for the last four digits—for example, '0521' means the tire was manufactured in the 5th week of 2021. Tires have a lifespan; rubber hardens and degrades over time. Generally, after five years, you should start paying attention, or else they may slip easily in the rain. Once, I was driving on the highway with tires that were over seven years old and hadn't been replaced, when suddenly one went flat—scared me half to death. I recommend checking the sidewall for all tires' date codes whenever you wash your car. If the dates don't match across all tires, it means some have been replaced or patched, and a thorough inspection is needed. Regular maintenance not only saves fuel but also saves lives.
