How to Check the Manufacturing Year of Car Tires?
4 Answers
The method to check the manufacturing year of car tires is as follows: Look on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits following the DOT marking indicate the production date, formatted as AABB. The first two digits represent the week of the year, while the last two digits represent the year. Tires are mounted on metal rims and serve the following purposes: 1. Supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the vehicle's load; 2. Protecting automotive components from severe vibrations and premature damage; 3. Transmitting traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface to enhance the vehicle's power, braking, and off-road capabilities.
I remember when I last changed my tires, I found it quite easy to check the tire's manufacturing year. Just look for the DOT mark on the sidewall of the tire, followed by a series of numbers. The last four digits indicate the production year—for example, 0521 means the 5th week of 2021. Why is this important? Because tires age over time, and as the rubber hardens, the grip decreases, making them more prone to skidding or blowing out at high speeds. So, I recommend checking them every six months for cracks or wear. When buying new tires, it's best to choose ones manufactured within the last 3 years to ensure driving safety and save money by avoiding unexpected repairs. Also, always keep an eye on tire pressure to avoid affecting handling and fuel efficiency. These are all small tips I've picked up from maintaining my own car.
Having worked in the auto repair industry for over a decade, let me teach you how to read tire manufacturing dates: Look for the DOT marking on the tire sidewall - the last four digits following it represent the week and year of production. For example, 1219 means the tire was manufactured in the 12th week of 2019. This might seem minor, but tires become dangerous after 6 years as the rubber starts cracking, especially making them slippery during rain or snow. I recommend checking tread depth and tire pressure during inspections - never overlook these details. Safe driving is paramount. When replacing tires, choose reputable shops and avoid cheap, aged inventory.
I just got my driver's license last year and found checking tire age is super easy: glance at the tire sidewall, locate the DOT code followed by numbers, and the last four digits like 0820 mean the 8th week of 2020. My instructor said old tires age faster, increase braking distance, and can be dangerous on highways. So I make it a habit to check during car washes, always pick fresh tires when replacing, and learned about tire pressure monitoring too – ensures safe and comfortable driving.
