How to Check the Manufacturing Date of a Tire?
3 Answers
The method to check the manufacturing date of a tire is: 1. Locate a set of four numbers on the tire sidewall; 2. The first two digits represent the week of the year it was manufactured; 3. The last two digits indicate the year of manufacture. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly clean out stones stuck in the tire treads; 2. Minimize exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Promptly check tire pressure; 4. Pay attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Regularly inspect front wheel alignment; 6. Adopt careful driving habits by choosing smoother road surfaces, avoiding objects that could puncture or scratch the tires, and steering clear of chemical spills that may corrode the tires.
I've driven many cars, and when it comes to tires, checking the production date is crucial for safety. Look on the sidewall of the tire for the DOT marking, followed by a series of numbers. At the end, there's a four-digit number in a small box, like 1519. The first two digits (15) represent the 15th week, and the last two (19) stand for the year 2019. Tires deteriorate over time as the rubber hardens with age, so it's generally advisable to consider replacing them after four or five years, especially in extreme summer heat or winter cold when they're more prone to blowouts. When I was younger, I once tried to save money by using old tires for a long trip. On the highway, the tires developed cracks from wear and started leaking air, which scared me so much that I had to pull over and call for a tow truck. Since then, I've made it a habit to check my tire dates every six months, along with the tire pressure, to ensure a safe drive. Remember, tires older than six years pose a higher risk and should ideally be replaced.
I always worry about safety when taking my kids out, so knowing how to read tire dates is essential. Here's a simple method: crouch down and look at the tire sidewall for a DOT code. The last four digits, like 2118, mean the tire was produced in the 21st week of 2018. Old tires tend to lose grip and cause loss of control—my friend's child once rear-ended another car due to aged tires. I personally check them every quarter; if they're over five years old or have traveled 100,000 km, I replace them immediately. Also, avoid parking in direct sunlight as it accelerates rubber degradation. While checking the date, take a quick look at the tread depth—if it's less than 1 mm, it's dangerous. These small things can save lives.
