How to Check the Production Date of Tires for New Car Inspection?
2 Answers
There is a production date marking on the sidewall of the tire, usually in the form of a four-digit number. Here is a detailed description of the tire production date: 1. The production date marking of the tire starts with DOT followed by a series of alphanumeric characters. DOT stands for the certification by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The following numbers and letters represent the tire's origin information and factory code. The last four digits indicate the production date. 2. The first two digits represent the production week, and the last two digits represent the production year. For example, 2320 indicates the production date as the 23rd week of 2020. 3. In addition to the production date marking, the tire sidewall may also have markings like 225/45-R17-91W. These correspond to the tire width, aspect ratio, tire type, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating. 225 indicates the tire width is 225mm; 45 indicates the aspect ratio is 45%; R indicates the tire is a radial tire; 17 indicates the applicable rim size is 17 inches; 91 indicates the load index is 615kg; W indicates the maximum speed the tire can withstand is 270km/h. 4. Under normal circumstances, the shelf life of tires is about 4-5 years. Even if the tire has low mileage, it still needs to be replaced once it exceeds the shelf life. When purchasing, pay attention to the production date and try not to buy tires that have been stored for more than 3 years. Since tires are rubber products, they will age over time, and their performance will deteriorate. If cracks appear, there is a higher risk of tire blowouts, which can affect driving safety.
I always pay great attention to detail checks during vehicle inspections, especially the tire production date, which is crucial for safety. The production date of new car tires is engraved on the sidewall, usually in a small oval-shaped mark with four digits, such as "2024" indicating the 20th week of 2024. I learned this through years of inspection experience: crouch down and check each tire one by one, preferably using a flashlight to illuminate those small characters. The key is to look for the last four digits and not get confused by other codes. Why check this? Tires age quickly, and even new tires stored for over a year can easily crack, affecting driving performance. I've seen beginners overlook this and encounter issues. So during inspections, don't just look at the appearance—record each tire's date meticulously to ensure consistency. If you find an old date, you can negotiate a replacement. Also, check the tire pressure and wear to ensure a safe and worry-free drive. Developing this habit can prevent potential hazards later on.
