How to Determine the Production Date of a Tire?
2 Answers
Tire's molded DOT mark is followed by an 11-digit alphanumeric code which serves as the tire's identification number or serial number. The last four digits of this serial number indicate the production date of the tire. Here is some information about tires: 1. The date code consists of four digits "AABB". The first two digits "AA" indicate the week of the year, while the last two digits "BB" represent the year. The tire production date code format is as follows: the first two digits denote the production week, and the last two digits indicate the production year. For example, 1204 means the tire was produced in the 12th week of 2004. 2. A tire is a circular elastic rubber product mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. It is typically installed on a metal rim to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure the vehicle's driving performance. 3. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions. During operation, they endure various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperature effects. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance. Additionally, they require high wear resistance, flex resistance, low rolling resistance, and minimal heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is used for tire production, highlighting the significant demand for rubber in tire manufacturing.
The tire production date is quite easy to find. As an experienced driver with over ten years behind the wheel, I regularly check this. Look at the series of characters on the tire sidewall, there's a section called the DOT code. Usually, the last four digits represent the date – the first two indicate the week number, and the last two show the year. For example, '3622' means the tire was produced in the 36th week of 2022. Don't underestimate this – tires age and harden over time, so they should be replaced every 5-6 years even if they appear undamaged. I always take a quick look at the date and tread wear when washing my car. Shallow tread patterns mean reduced grip, making the car more prone to slipping during rainy seasons. When buying new tires, I recommend choosing ones with recent production dates, as older stock tires may have compromised performance. Proper tire maintenance can save you from costly repairs and ensure safety.
