How to Identify the Production Date from a Tire?
3 Answers
Tire production dates can be found on the sidewall of the tire. There is a four-digit number in an elongated oval shape at the end of the DOT code. The first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two digits indicate the year. For tires produced after the year 2000, the last four digits of the Tire Identification Number (TIN) represent the production date. Here is some additional information about tires: 1. Tires are made of rubber, and rubber products degrade over time with use, so tires need to be replaced periodically. 2. After replacing tires, it is essential to perform a wheel balance test on each wheel to prevent abnormal vibrations during high-speed driving. 3. The typical lifespan of a tire is about 2-3 years or 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Chinese regulations require tire replacement when the tread wears down to 1.6mm.
I recently bought a used car and learned how to check the tire manufacturing date—it's quite simple and practical. Look for an oval or square mark on the tire sidewall with a four-digit number, like '2523,' which means the tire was manufactured in the 25th week of 2023. The first two digits represent the production week, and the last two are the year's suffix. Just shine a flashlight around the tire to find it; if you can't locate it, the tire might be installed facing inward. The tire's manufacturing date is important because rubber ages, and even if the tread is deep, tires that are too old can be dangerous. Generally, it's recommended to replace them every five or six years, as older tires have poor grip and can easily skid in rainy weather. After checking my car's rear tires, I found one was manufactured in 2020, so I plan to replace it next week—safety first, after all.
After running this repair shop for so many years, checking tire dates for car owners is a common task. The tire date is printed on the sidewall—look for a four-digit code like '3519.' The first two digits, 35, represent the 35th week of the year, and the last two, 19, indicate the year 2019. A quick glance tells you the tire's age. Older tires have more issues: hardened rubber, increased cracking, and higher blowout risks on highways. I recommend regularly checking the date and testing tire pressure. Generally, tires over six years old should raise concerns. By the way, new car tires usually have a manufacturing date within six months—if they don't match, it might be a stock car worth noting. Keeping tires in good condition is the foundation of driving safety—save money, but not on tires.
