How to Know the Manufacturing Date of a Tire?
4 Answers
To know the manufacturing date of a tire, follow these steps: 1. Locate a set of four numbers on the tire wall; 2. The first two digits represent the week of the year the tire was produced; 3. The last two digits indicate the year of production. Tires are circular elastic rubber products installed on metal rims, designed to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road, and ensure driving performance. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly check tire pressure; 2. Remove debris from tire treads; 3. Inspect tire wear and replace them promptly if necessary; 4. Perform tire rotation to ensure even wear across all four tires and prevent excessive wear.
I didn't know how to check the tire manufacturing date before either, until one time when my tire blew out and I realized how important this is. That time on the highway, the tire suddenly bulged, but luckily nothing serious happened. Later, the mechanic told me there's a numerical code on the tire sidewall, and you just need to look for the last four digits. For example, if you see 2321, it means the tire was manufactured in the 23rd week of 2021. Tires deteriorate over time, usually becoming dangerous after six or seven years, as the rubber can crack and cause blowouts. Now, every time I change tires, I check the date myself and even take a photo with my phone to avoid remembering it wrong. It's actually quite simple—just squat down and look at the tire sidewall; if the lighting is poor, use a flashlight to see clearly. This trick can save you a lot of money, preventing you from being overcharged by repair shops when they push for unnecessary new tires.
I'm someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, and checking tire manufacturing dates is something I do regularly. You need to look for the DOT code on the tire sidewall, usually a combination of letters and numbers, with the last four digits being the most important. For example, 5122 means the 51st week of 2022. Here's how to find it: First, circle around the tire to locate the clearly printed characters, and feel them with your hand to avoid smudging. Using your phone as a magnifying glass or a flashlight can help you see more clearly. Then note the date and compare it with the current year—tires should be replaced after six years, or else the driving risk increases. I think regular checks are a good habit, and while you're at it, check the tire pressure and tread wear to extend tire life. Never just replace tires without noting the date—some people don't know this and end up buying the wrong used tires, wasting money.
Last month when buying a used car, I specifically checked the tire manufacturing date. The seller talked it up, but I crouched down to examine the four-digit code on the tire sidewall - for example, 0421 means the tire was produced in the 4th week of 2021. Tires older than five years pose potential driving hazards. This step helped me avoid potential losses and allowed me to negotiate a lower price with a demand for new tires. I recommend never overlooking this small but crucial detail during inspections.
