How to Determine the Tire Date?
3 Answers
On one side of the tire, there is usually a molded DOT mark. The last four digits of this mark provide information about the production date, consisting of four digits "AABB". The first two digits "AA" indicate the week of the year, while the last two digits "BB" represent the year. Here are the specific steps to determine the tire date: 1. First, locate the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the tire sidewall. This number starts with "DOT" and is 10-12 digits long. If the number is not visible, it might be engraved on the inner side. Without connecting to a vehicle, you can simply turn the tire to see the number. Even if the tire is already mounted on the car, you can check the inner side with a flashlight. 2. Now, look at the last two digits of the DOT number. If possible, it's best to write them down. These digits indicate the production year of the tire. If the last digits are "21", it means the tire was produced in 2021. 3. Next, look at the two digits before the last two digits. These digits represent the production week. If the digits are "09", it means the tire was produced in the 9th week of that year.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, checking tire dates is part of my routine. The method involves locating the DOT code on the tire sidewall, usually a string of small characters ending with four digits. For example, seeing 0523 means the tire was manufactured in the 5th week of 2023. I remember the first time I overlooked this, and the tire developed cracks due to aging, nearly causing an accident. Now, I make it a habit to check during car washes and remind my friends: tires typically last 6 to 8 years, and using them beyond this period increases the risk of a blowout. Regular checks ensure safety, especially before long trips; combined with proper tire pressure adjustments, they can extend tire life and save unnecessary repair hassles.
As a car enthusiast, I really enjoy these little tips: How to check tire age? It's simple! Look for the four-digit number at the end of the DOT marking on the tire sidewall. The first two digits represent the production week (01 being the first week of the year, up to 52 for the last week), while the last two digits indicate the year (like 24 for 2024). For example, 1424 means the tire was manufactured in the 14th week of 2024. This is super useful - I recommend checking every six months because old tires harden and affect braking distance. Don't just check tread wear; avoid buying old stock tires too. New car owners often overlook this, but seasonal checks will make driving safer and more economical.
