How to Check the Tire Date?
3 Answers
Tire date can be found on the sidewall. Below is relevant information about car tires: 1. Tire Function: Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working with the suspension to mitigate impacts during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness; maintaining excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road; improving traction, braking, and off-road capability; bearing the vehicle's weight. The crucial role tires play in automobiles is increasingly recognized. 2. Tire Classification: Full-size spare tires have the exact same specifications as the other four tires on the vehicle and can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. Non-full-size spare tires: These spare tires have slightly smaller diameter and width compared to the other four tires, thus only serving as a temporary replacement and must be used on non-driving wheels with a maximum speed not exceeding 80km/h.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I often teach my friends how to check the manufacturing date of tires, which is crucial for safe driving. There's a small raised DOT code on the sidewall of the tire. Upon closer inspection, you'll find a series of numbers and letters, with the last four digits being the critical date code. For example, 2518 indicates the tire was produced in the 25th week of 2018. I recommend squatting down and using a flashlight to locate it—don’t just check the tread wear; the date is more important. Tire rubber naturally ages, and generally, tires should be replaced every five to seven years. Even if the tread looks new, aged tires are prone to cracking or even blowouts. Once, when I bought a used car, I forgot to check and later discovered a tire from 2008 that caused noticeable shaking while driving, so I replaced it immediately. Regularly checking tire dates can save you money and reduce unexpected risks. Make it a habit to glance at them every month when washing your car—safety lies in these small details.
Having worked in an auto repair shop for years, I've seen too many accidents caused by customers neglecting tire dates. It's crucial to remind everyone seriously. The DOT number on the sidewall of a tire always ends with four digits, like '1623' indicating the 16th week of 2023. Learning this is simple: just feel it with your hand while standing or squat down to see clearly. Rubber ages quickly, and if the date exceeds five years, it's dangerous even if recently installed. I once encountered a driver whose tire blew out—checking the date revealed it was from 2010! I recommend checking the date every six months along with tire pressure monitoring to extend vehicle safety. When buying new tires, don’t go for cheap, expired stock; prioritize products from the most recent year. Adding this small step to your routine maintenance, taking a few seconds to note the numbers, can save you from major repairs. Safe driving has no shortcuts—details make all the difference.