How to Check the Tire Production Date?
2 Answers
You can determine the production date of a tire by looking at a set of numbers on the outer side of the tire. Here are the details: 1. The tire production date is marked on the outer side of the tire: The production date is indicated by a set of numbers on the sidewall of the tire. The last four digits of this code provide information about the production date. 2. The 11-digit number and letters immediately following the DOT letters on the tire sidewall represent the tire's identification number or serial number: The last four digits of the serial number indicate the production date. 3. The format of the tire production date code: The first two digits represent the production week, and the last two digits represent the production year. For example, if the last four digits of the DOT code are 0807, it means the tire was produced in the 8th week of 2007, which is around late February 2007.
I've been driving for over a decade, and checking a tire's production date is actually quite simple. Just look for the DOT code on the tire's sidewall. For example, if the last four digits are 0519, it means the tire was produced in the 5th week of 2019. I used to overlook this myself - my tires looked fine after 8 years of use, but one summer while driving on the highway, I suddenly had a blowout which was terrifying! Since then, I've made it a habit to check every six months, gently feeling the tire sidewalls for fine cracks or hardening. Typically, tires last about five to six years - even if they show no visible wear, it's best to replace them because the rubber compounds deteriorate and become brittle, making them particularly prone to skidding or blowouts on wet roads. For daily parking, avoid direct sunlight and damp environments as this can extend their lifespan. Safety always comes first!
