How to Check the Manufacturing Date on a Tire?
3 Answers
The method to check the manufacturing date on a tire is: the first two digits of the tire production date indicate the week of the year it was produced, and the last two digits indicate the year of production. The functions of a tire are: 1. To transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force for vehicle operation; 2. To support vehicle load; 3. To reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, avoiding severe vibrations that could damage vehicle components. The maintenance methods for tires are: 1. Regularly clean stones from 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. Be mindful of driving habits.
When I first bought my car, I was also curious about the manufacturing date of the tires. Later, I learned it's quite simple—just look for the small letters on the tire sidewall. There's usually a DOT code inside an oval frame, followed by four digits, like '2219,' which means the tire was produced in the 22nd week of 2019. Why check this? Because tires aren't permanent; they age and harden over time. Generally, they need to be replaced every 5-6 years, or else they can compromise driving safety, especially on long trips where blowouts are more likely. I check mine once a year, also taking the opportunity to inspect wear and tear, which helps prevent unexpected accidents. Since adopting this habit, I feel more confident driving, and my maintenance costs have gone down.
As a young car owner, I love DIYing small car maintenance details. Checking tire dates is super easy—just squat down and look at the numbers on the tire sidewall. The four digits after DOT indicate the production date: the first two digits represent the week, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, '1921' means the 19th week of 2021. This trick is especially useful when buying used cars or replacing tires, helping me avoid purchasing old stock that's been sitting too long—saving money and giving peace of mind. I also take photos with my phone to compare the aging levels of different tires. Combined with regular tire pressure checks, my car's overall performance has improved significantly.
