How to Identify the Manufacturing Date of a Tire?
2 Answers
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.
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.
