How to Identify the Manufacturing Date of a Tire?
2 Answers
Identifying the manufacturing date of a tire: Look for the small oval circle containing a 4-digit number on the tire. The first two digits represent the production week, and the last two digits indicate the year. Car tires should generally be replaced after about 5 years of use. Car tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle, as they directly contact the road surface and work together with the car's suspension to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth operation. Tires can be classified by structure into radial tires and bias-ply tires; by tread pattern into rib tread tires, transverse tread tires, mixed tread tires, and off-road tread tires.
Every time I buy a car or change tires myself, I always check the tire production date—it's become a habit. Look near the wheel hub on the tire sidewall, and you'll find a DOT code, such as a serial number starting with 'DOT.' The last four digits are crucial: the first two indicate the production week, and the last two represent the year. For example, '2523' means the 25th week of 2023. If you have reading glasses, put them on, squat down, and inspect carefully—sometimes dust covers the numbers, so wipe them with a cloth. Remember, even new tires age over time, especially if they're over six years old—don't use them, as they can affect braking safety. Last year, I discovered my friend's car had tires produced 10 years ago and promptly helped him replace them. Don’t slack off—check them regularly. After all, tires are the 'feet' of your car, and you can’t afford to be careless.
