How to Check the Production Date of a Tire?
2 Answers
Tire production date can be checked by locating a set of numbers on the outer sidewall of the tire. The last four digits of these numbers represent the production date information. A tire is a circular elastic rubber product assembled on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. Mounted on metal rims, it supports the vehicle body, cushions external impacts, ensures contact with the road surface, and maintains the vehicle's driving performance. The functions of a tire are: 1. Transmitting driving force, braking force, and steering force to operate the vehicle; 2. Supporting the vehicle load; 3. Reducing and absorbing vibrations and impact forces during driving to prevent severe vibrations from damaging vehicle components.
Checking the tire production date is actually quite simple, and I do it often on my own car. You need to squat down and carefully inspect the sidewall of the tire, where there's a marking called the DOT code. It usually starts with DOT and ends with four numbers, such as 1324, which represents the 13th week of 2024. The method is to use your phone's flashlight to illuminate the sidewall—the numbers are small and might be hidden in the tread. Knowing this is crucial because tires older than 6 years are prone to aging and deformation, affecting braking and handling, especially in sudden situations on highways, which can be dangerous. I recommend checking once a month, along with tire pressure and wear, to prevent blowouts. Also, don’t overlook the storage time when buying new tires—make sure they’re recent products. Developing this habit greatly enhances driving safety and can save on repair costs.
