How to Identify the Year of a Tire?
4 Answers
Methods to identify the year of a tire: 1. Similar to the production date of a car, the production date of a tire is marked on the outer side of the tire. You don't need to turn the tire inside out; on the sidewall of the tire, there is a set of numbers. The last four digits of this mark provide information about the production date, consisting of four digits "aabb". The first two digits "aa" indicate the week of the year, and the last two digits "bb" indicate the year. 2. Generally, the 11-digit number and letters immediately following the "DOT" letters on the side of the tire represent the identification number or serial number of the tire. The last four digits of the serial number indicate the production date of the tire. The format of the tire production date code is: the first two digits represent the production week, and the last two digits represent the production year. For example, if the last four digits of DOT are 0807, it means the tire was produced in the 8th week of 2007, that is, at the end of February 2007.
I remember when I bought my first car, the salesperson explained in detail how to check the tire manufacturing date. You squat down to examine the sidewall of the tire, where you'll usually find a DOT code. The last four digits of that string are crucial: the first two numbers indicate the week of production, and the last two represent the year. For example, '1923' means the tire was manufactured in the 19th week of 2023. Tire aging is a serious issue, especially after six or seven years when the rubber hardens and cracks, affecting grip and braking performance. I check my tires every few months to ensure they're still within a reasonable age range. A quick glance at the sidewall before driving can prevent many safety hazards. When replacing tires, it's best to have a professional shop verify them—don't compromise safety to save money.
A few years ago, when I took my old car for maintenance, the mechanic taught me how to read the tire manufacturing date—it was simple and practical. On the sidewall of the tire, there’s a DOT marking, followed by a code ending with four digits: the first two digits represent the week, and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, ‘0724’ means the tire was produced in the 7th week of 2024. Over time, tires wear unevenly, and if the date shows they’re over six years old, it’s time to consider replacing them. I check this every time I wash my car, along with monitoring tire pressure and cracks. Making it a habit has given me more confidence while driving. There are online diagrams showing where to find this info, making it easy even for beginners. Regularly tracking tire condition is an essential skill for long-term driving.
As someone who often does minor repairs, I start checking tire age by locating the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits of that sequence tell you everything: for example, '1323' means the tire was produced in the 13th week of 2023. This method is quick and accurate, requiring no professional tools. As tires age, rubber degradation increases the risk of blowouts, so it's recommended to inspect or replace them every five years. If you notice abnormal vibrations while driving, pull over and check the sidewalls—safety first.
