How to Check the Manufacturing Date of Car Tires?
2 Answers
The method to check the manufacturing date of car tires: Usually, the sidewall of the tire will have a manufacturing date identifier, typically a series of alphanumeric characters starting with DOT. DOT stands for the certification by the U.S. Department of Transportation, followed by numbers and letters representing the tire's origin information and factory code. The last four digits indicate the manufacturing date. The first two digits represent the production week, and the last two digits represent the production year. Besides the manufacturing date identifier, the tire sidewall may also display markings like 225/45R17, 91W, which correspond to the tire width, aspect ratio, tire type, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating. 225 indicates the tire width is 225mm, 45 means the aspect ratio is 45%, R denotes a radial tire, 17 signifies that it fits a 17-inch wheel, 91 represents a load index of 615kg, and W indicates the maximum speed the tire can handle is 270km/h.
The production date of car tires is usually engraved on the sidewall, look for a small square with four digits. The first two digits indicate the week of production, and the last two indicate the year. For example, 2315 means the tire was produced in the 15th week of 2023. Over time, the rubber on tires ages, and even if the tread is still deep, after five or six years, they are prone to cracking or blowouts, which affects driving safety. I often use my phone's flashlight to check the date and cracks on the sidewall after parking, and also take the opportunity to check if the tire pressure is normal. Regular inspections can prevent risks during high-speed driving, especially on rainy days when the grip of old tires deteriorates. The lifespan of tires also depends on the usage environment, such as parking in the sun or driving on rough roads, which accelerates aging. It's best to have a technician conduct a comprehensive evaluation during annual maintenance.
