How to Read the Date on New Car Tires?
2 Answers
On the sidewall of the tire, locate the string of characters starting with the English letters "DOT". At the end of these characters, there will be a four-digit number enclosed in an oval border, which represents the tire's production date. The first two digits indicate the week of the year the tire was produced, while the last two digits represent the production year. Here is some related information about tire maintenance: Daily Tire Pressure Check: Avoid having tire pressure that is too high or too low. Overinflated tires may risk a blowout under high-speed operation due to inability to withstand excessive expansion pressure, while underinflated tires may experience excessive flexing due to uneven road surfaces during driving, keeping the tires in a state of fatigue and accelerating aging. Regular Tire Rotation: Cross-rotating the front and rear tires ensures even wear across all four tires and provides better friction between the front wheels (steering drive wheels) and the road surface, preventing front-wheel slippage and ensuring driving safety. Regular Balance Checks: Regular balance testing not only extends tire life but also improves the vehicle's driving stability. Timely Replacement: It is recommended to replace tires after approximately 40,000 kilometers of use. If driving conditions are excellent, this can be extended to 60,000 kilometers, but tires older than two years should also be replaced.
When checking the date of new tires, the first step is to locate the DOT code on the tire sidewall, which is a small marked area containing a series of characters. The last four digits indicate the production date. For example, '2314' means the tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2024, roughly around May. Why is this important? Tire rubber ages over time, and new tires older than five years may harden and become prone to cracking, affecting braking performance—especially in heavy rain, increasing the risk of skidding and accidents. It's advisable to glance at the date when purchasing a car to avoid buying old stock tires. I always use this trick during maintenance and find that fresher tires provide a more secure driving experience. If the DOT code is on the inner side, don’t be lazy—rotate the tire or ask a technician to check it for you, ensuring safety comes first. Regular tire maintenance is essential; checking the date every few months should be a basic habit.
