How to Check the Production Date and Determine if a Tire is New
3 Answers
Actually, the production date of a tire is marked on the outer side of the tire. You don't need to flip the tire over; it's right there on the outer side, on one of the tire walls, where you'll find a set of numbers. From the last four digits of this marking, you can obtain the production date information. It consists of four digits in the format "aabb".
Checking the tire production date seems pretty straightforward. I usually look for a small square or engraved code on the sidewall of the tire. For example, if you see '3622', it means the tire was produced in the 36th week of 2022. To determine if it's a new tire, don't just rely on a recent date—you should also feel the surface for smoothness and check for cracks or hardening due to aging. I learned this when buying my first car. The shop owner told me that new tires should have good elasticity and no strange odor. If they're from stock, it's best to choose ones produced within the past year to avoid deterioration from long storage. Aged rubber can affect grip—I once had a close call with old tires slipping in the rain. So, whether changing tires or buying a car, I carefully inspect both appearance and date. I remind myself to check them every quarter because safe driving is the top priority.
When inspecting tires, I pay great attention to details. The production date is marked on the sidewall, such as the number '1523' which represents the 15th week of 2023. For new tires, not only should the date be recent (within a few months), but you also need to check their storage conditions—whether they have been exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. If there are tiny cracks or deformations on the surface, these are signs of aging. Experienced drivers often say that tire safety should never be taken lightly, so I make it a habit to check tire pressure and appearance monthly, keeping the surface clean and dry. When buying new tires, choose reputable stores to avoid products that have been sitting in inventory for too long. Generally, tires have a lifespan of 5 to 6 years; even if they look new, they’re unsafe beyond that period. Once, after replacing my tires, I immediately felt the car was much more stable. Everyone should perform regular maintenance—don’t wait until problems arise to regret it.
