How to Check the Production Date on Tires?
3 Answers
Tire production dates can be identified by the markings on the tire sidewall. Tires within 3 years of production are considered suitable, as exceeding this period may pose safety risks due to rubber aging. Since the primary material of tires is rubber, tires older than 3 years undergo degradation, making their use hazardous. The newer the tire's production date, the better its performance. Typically, tires purchased within one year of production are considered new, while those older are classified as stock tires. Tires operate under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during driving. Thus, they must possess high load-bearing, traction, and cushioning capabilities. Additionally, tires require excellent wear resistance, flexibility, low rolling resistance, and minimal heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is dedicated to tire production, highlighting the significant role tires play in rubber utilization.
I've been driving for over 20 years and often help neighbors check tire dates. It's very simple: There's an oval frame or small area on the tire sidewall with a four-digit number, like '1523'. The first two digits (15) represent the 15th week, and the last two digits (23) stand for 2023. This is crucial because aged tires are prone to blowouts. Even with deep treads, tires should be replaced after six or seven years of use. Before my last tire change, I found one dated 2017 with cracked rubber and replaced it immediately. I recommend checking all tire dates every six months—don't just look at the tread depth, safety comes first. When buying used cars, inspect them even more carefully to avoid hidden dangers. If you can't find it, clean the sidewall and search slowly—the area near the wheel hub is the most common location.
As an ordinary car owner, I learned a little trick: look for the last four digits of the DOT code on the tire sidewall, such as '0424', which means the tire was produced in the 4th week of 2024. Tires age over time, and hardened rubber affects braking, so knowing the production date helps prevent risks. I make it a habit to check during seasonal changes to ensure they're not older than five years. Once, I noticed the rear tires were a year older and replaced them for peace of mind. You can also ask the technician to check during regular maintenance—it's simple yet crucial. The tire date is often hidden, so clean the sidewall or rotate the tire to find the markings. Don't overlook this detail.
