How to Check the Tire Production Date?
3 Answers
On the surface of the tire, on one side of the tire wall, there is a set of numbers. The last four digits of this marking can provide information about the production date. It consists of four digits "AABB" in total. The first two digits "AA" indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits "BB" indicate the year.
I've seen many car enthusiasts ask about this. Checking the tire production date is actually quite simple. There's a circle of text on the sidewall of the tire. Look carefully for the part that starts with the letters DOT. In the string of numbers that follow, the last four digits are the key. For example, 2324 means the tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2024. Why is this important? Tires begin to age from the moment they're produced, and generally, after five years, they're prone to hardening and cracking, which affects safety. I recommend checking the date every six months, along with regular air pressure checks and monitoring wear and tear. It's best to have a mechanic check it during maintenance to avoid paying extra for old tires. Remember, the tire date doesn't affect performance, but it helps you know when to replace them, extending the life of your vehicle. Don't wait until there's a problem to regret it.
Last time I helped a friend pick out a used car, I specifically checked the tire date to avoid potential hazards. Squatting down to look at the tire sidewall, I found the last four digits after the DOT mark—like 1322, which indicates the 13th week of 2022. This method doesn't require any tools; you can just manually rotate the tire. Tires older than six years pose significant risks—I once witnessed an old car having a blowout on the road, and upon checking, the tire date was eight years old. Now, whenever I change tires, I always note the date, usually writing it in the tire manual for future reference. By the way, parking in the shade can also slow down tire aging, but nothing replaces regular inspections. Developing this habit can save you a lot of trouble.
