How to Check the Manufacturing Year of a Tire?
2 Answers
Method to check the manufacturing year of a tire: There is a set of 4-digit numbers on the sidewall of the tire. The first two digits indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, "3512" means the tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2012. The expiration date of the tire can also be found on the sidewall. Generally, the shelf life of a tire is 5 years, and when replacing a new tire, the production date should not exceed 3 years. Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, as they directly contact the road surface and work together with the car's suspension to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving. They also ensure excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road, improve the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability, and bear the weight of the car. The crucial role that tires play in automobiles is increasingly being recognized by people.
The production year of the tire is actually hidden in the small rectangular box on the sidewall, that oval-shaped marking. I pay special attention to this when changing tires because we have kids at home, and safety comes first. You'll see a four-digit number in the marking, like 3722 - the first two digits (37) indicate the 37th week of production, and the last two (22) represent the year 2022. This date is crucial because rubber deteriorates and becomes brittle over time. Even with deep treads, old tires can suddenly blow out. That's why during every maintenance check, I ask the mechanic to inspect all four tires' production dates. If there's too much variation, it's time to consider replacement, especially for tires over six years old - you really can't take chances with those.
