How to Identify the Manufacturing Date of New Tires?
2 Answers
To identify the manufacturing date of new tires, look at the outer edge of the tire, where a set of numbers and letters indicates the production month and year, as well as the quantity. Normally, tires should be replaced every 4 years. Situations requiring tire replacement include: 1. Every tire has a production date; pay attention to the usage period and mileage. If these limits are exceeded, the tires need to be replaced. 2. Severe tread wear. 3. Bubbles on the tire. 4. Abnormal tire pressure—high pressure makes braking difficult to control, while low pressure reduces vehicle power. Always check tire pressure before driving. 5. Cuts or gashes on the tire.
As a seasoned driver who often helps friends choose tires, I know the manufacturing date is marked on the tire sidewall—look for the DOT code, where the last four digits indicate the date: the first two represent the week number, and the last two are the final digits of the year. For example, '5219' means the 52nd week of 2019. This is crucial because even unused tires age over time, causing the rubber to harden, reducing grip, increasing braking distance, and compromising safety. I recommend not just judging by appearance when buying tires; bring a phone flashlight to inspect the sidewall date carefully, ensuring it's no older than two years. Stock tires in shops may have been sitting for over a year—opt for fresher ones for peace of mind. Also, check the tire pressure and tread depth—these small details can extend tire life by about 20%.
