How to Identify the Manufacturing Date of a Tire?

[VonTimothy]

To identify the manufacturing date of a tire, look for a 4-digit number on the outer surface of the tire. This number represents the production date: the first two digits indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, a tire marked with "3509" means it was manufactured in the 35th week of 2009, which corresponds to September 2009. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on metal rims, designed to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, ensure contact with the road, and maintain driving performance. If severe tire wear is detected, it can reduce braking efficiency, necessitating prompt replacement.

[DeAddyson]

When checking the tire manufacturing date myself, I first turn to the sidewall of the tire to locate the small DOT marking—it stands for the U.S. Department of Transportation certification code. Then, I look at the last four digits of the DOT code, for example, '1024' indicates the tire was produced in the 10th week of 2024. This date is super important because even if a tire hasn't been used much, the rubber can still age and deteriorate; tires over five years old may develop cracks or harden, affecting braking and high-speed driving safety. I remember when buying used tires last time, I specifically used my phone's flashlight to check the date and found they were from 2018—old stock—so I passed on them immediately. It's advisable to check regularly, especially before the rainy season, as aged tires are prone to slipping; tire shops can usually scan the code for you, saving time and effort. Don't overlook this detail—safety should always come first.

[DiEmery]

While changing my own tires, I incidentally learned how to check their manufacturing date: Look for the raised DOT serial number on the tire sidewall. The last four digits are crucial—for example, '4323' means the tire was produced in the 43rd week of 2023. These numbers can get dusty and are small, so it's best to wipe them clean and inspect carefully. New tires with older dates might have been stored in a warehouse for too long, causing the rubber to degrade and affecting grip. My car's tires, after five years, started to slip, so I replaced them. It's advisable to check the date every six months, along with monitoring tread wear. During summer, when temperatures are high, tire pressure fluctuates more, and older tires are prone to blowouts—extra caution is needed. Making these small techniques a habit ensures safer driving.

[DiJulianna]

When I tinker with my car in the garage, the most frequent thing I check is the tire date: glance at the last four digits of the DOT code, where the first two represent the week and the last two the year. For example, '0524' means the tire was produced in the fifth week of 2024. The numbers are on one side of the tire, and sometimes you need to rotate the wheel to align it with the light. Identifying this date helps you estimate its lifespan; rubber performance declines after about five years, especially in winter when it's prone to losing control on ice and snow. A quick look can save you money on repairs later.

[MacRonan]

When purchasing used cars or tires myself, I focus on the manufacturing date: look for the four-digit number after the DOT label, such as '2922', which indicates the 29th week of 2022. Older tires may have hidden cracks, wear out faster, and provide unstable grip during sharp turns. Last time at the tire shop, I found some stock from 2019 and negotiated a discount to replace them. It's advisable to use a magnifying glass or take clear photos with your phone to avoid being fooled; tire aging is related to climate, with high temperatures in the south more likely to cause issues, so regular inspection is key.