How to Check the Production Date on a Tire?
2 Answers
The method to check the production date on a tire is: Look on the sidewall of the tire, where there is a set of four-digit numbers in a long oval shape at the end of the DOT code. The first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, 1713 indicates that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2013. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. They are usually installed on metal rims to support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain the vehicle's driving performance. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high or low temperatures during operation, so they must have high load-bearing, traction, and cushioning performance.
Having driven for over a decade, I've concluded that checking tire production dates is crucial. On the tire sidewall, look for an oval frame or a string of codes—the last four digits indicate the production date: the first two represent the week of the year, and the last two the year. For example, 1221 means the tire was produced in the 12th week of 2021. I remember once when buying a used car, I found the tires were seven years old and immediately replaced them because rubber starts to harden and degrade after five years, increasing the risk of a blowout. Safe driving relies on good tires, and the production date directly affects their lifespan and performance. I also make it a habit to check the date every six months when washing the car, keeping a replacement list ready if they exceed six years. Regular tire pressure checks along with date tracking help spot potential issues early. Aged tires can compromise braking and wet traction, so I recommend choosing newer production dates for replacements to save hassle.
