How to Check the Production Date of Car Tires?
2 Answers
Car tire production dates are generally indicated by a four-digit number, where the first two digits represent the production week and the last two digits represent the production year. For example, '2317' indicates the 23rd week of 2017. The production date is part of a series of alphanumeric characters starting with 'DOT,' which stands for the U.S. Department of Transportation certification. The following numbers and letters represent the tire's origin information and factory code, while the last four digits indicate the production date. The shelf life of tires is typically around 4 to 5 years. Even if the tires have low mileage, they should be replaced once they exceed their shelf life. When purchasing tires, pay attention to the production date and try to avoid buying tires that have been stored for more than 3 years. Since tires are made of rubber, they will degrade over time, leading to reduced performance. If cracks appear, there is a higher risk of tire blowouts, which can compromise driving safety.
After all these years of repairing cars, I can tell you that checking a tire's production date is actually quite simple. Look for a numerical code enclosed in an oval frame on the tire's sidewall, usually the last four digits of a longer code, like '2519', which means the 25th week of 2019. The first two digits indicate the week, and the last two represent the year. This information is especially important because even if a tire hasn't worn out, the rubber can deteriorate after 5-6 years, potentially leading to blowouts or skidding while driving, especially at high speeds in rainy conditions. So, I strongly advise checking the date when buying a car or new tires to avoid purchasing old stock; also, make it a habit to inspect them during regular maintenance to spot aging issues early. Remember, tires are the first line of defense for driving safety—don't overlook this small detail, as it can help you avoid major troubles.
