How to Determine the Age of a Tire?
2 Answers
The method to determine the age of a tire is: locate a set of numbers on the outer wall of the tire to check its age. The functions of a tire are: 1. Transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force to operate the vehicle; 2. Support the vehicle load; 3. Reduce and absorb vibrations and impact forces during driving. Methods for maintaining car tires: 1. Regularly check tire pressure; 2. Remove debris from tire treads; 3. Inspect tire wear and replace them promptly based on wear conditions; 4. Perform tire rotation, which ensures even force distribution across all four tires and prevents excessive wear.
I first realized the importance of tire age during a near-accident experience on the highway. Checking tire age is actually super simple: look for the small DOT marking on the tire sidewall, usually an embossed or recessed code. The last four digits are crucial - for example, "1523" means the tire was manufactured in the 15th week of 2023. As tires age beyond 5-6 years, they become prone to deformation and aging, developing tiny surface cracks that dramatically reduce wet-weather traction and increase blowout risks. I conduct regular DIY checks, feeling tread depth during seasonal changes while verifying the date. Don't rely solely on appearance - even pristine-looking old tires can be dangerous, especially during high-speed driving or sharp turns. I recommend making this a habit to significantly reduce accident risks, because safety always comes first.
