How to Check the Tire Production Date Reference?
4 Answers
Tire production date can be checked on the outer sidewall of the tire. There is a group of four-digit numbers in an elongated oval shape at the end of the letters DOT. The first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. Below is an introduction about tires: 1. Function: Tires are one of the most important components of a car. Their main functions include supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the load of the car. 2. Classification by Use: For example, in China's national tire standards, the U.S. Tire and Rim Association Handbook, European Tire and Rim Technical Organization standards, Japanese tire standards, and international tire standards, tires are classified by use. 3. Markings: Tires are crucial components of a car, and there are more than 10 types of markings on car tires. Correctly identifying these markings is essential for tire selection, use, and maintenance, and is of great significance for ensuring driving safety and extending tire service life.
I did some research on this when I changed my tires before, and the method is actually quite simple. Look for the DOT code on the sidewall of the tire and focus on the last four digits. The first two digits represent the production week, and the last two indicate the year. For example, if you see '1223', it means the tire was produced in the 12th week of 2023. You’ll need to crouch down and look carefully, as the numbers are usually engraved inside an oval-shaped frame. Some people overlook this detail, but tires do have a shelf life—even if the tread is deep, you should consider replacing them if they’re over 5 years old. Last time I checked my tires, I found one was already 7 years old, so I replaced it immediately. Remember to rotate the tire to check thoroughly, as the date might be on the outer or inner side.
I've helped friends check tire dates multiple times. Just look for the DOT code on the tire sidewall - the last four digits are crucial. The first two digits (01-52) represent the week, while the last two indicate the year (e.g., 20 means 2020). For example, 2519 means the 25th week of 2019. Pro tip: use a flashlight to illuminate the sidewall as the engraved numbers can be shallow and easily missed. I've seen many car owners assume deep tread means safety, only to experience high-speed blowouts due to aged rubber. Recommend checking production dates during bi-annual car washes - pay special attention to tires over 6 years old, especially those constantly exposed to outdoor sunlight.
Reading tire dates is straightforward. Look for the four-digit code at the end of the DOT marking on the sidewall - the first two digits indicate the week, and the last two show the year. For example, 3818 means the tire was produced in the 38th week of 2018. In practice, you may need to rotate the tire to locate this code, and some vehicles require turning the steering wheel fully to see the inner sidewall. Last time I helped a neighbor check his tires, I found three different production years across his four tires and immediately advised him to replace them uniformly. Newer tires aren't necessarily better - fresh tires should ideally rest for six months before use, but any tire over five years old requires careful inspection for aging cracks. Rubber lifespan heavily depends on storage conditions, with garage-kept tires typically lasting about two years longer than those stored outdoors.
