Is it acceptable for the four tires of a new car to have different production dates?
3 Answers
It is acceptable for the four tires of a new car to have different production dates. A difference of one week is not a problem, but a longer time difference is not acceptable. Car tires have a warranty period, which varies by brand but is generally around 3 years. If any quality issues arise within the warranty period, you can go to the tire brand store to request replacement, repair, or refund services under the three-guarantee policy. Signs that tires need to be replaced include: 1. Tire wear reaching the limit—there are usually small raised indicators in the tire tread grooves to measure wear limits; when the tire wears down to the level of these indicators, it indicates that the tire needs to be replaced. 2. Severe tire aging—when the tire rubber shows significant aging and cracking, the tires should be replaced promptly.
As a new car owner, I was initially concerned about the different tire dates. Upon inspection, I found DOT codes on each tire indicating varied production dates. The salesperson explained this is due to normal inventory management—dealerships sometimes assemble tires from different batches to expedite delivery. The key is ensuring all tires share the same specifications, like matching size and model, as mismatches could cause imbalance while driving, especially affecting handling safety during high-speed or cornering maneuvers. I also researched that tire rubber aging begins from the production date, with a typical lifespan of 5-6 years. If the date discrepancy exceeds one year, uneven aging rates may increase wear risks. I recommend thoroughly checking and recording tire dates during new car delivery, requesting free replacements from the 4S store for significant differences. Regular tire rotation and maintaining consistent pressure can mitigate issues in daily use, but safety comes first—never overlook this detail. Overall, minor variations are acceptable, but major discrepancies warrant caution, since tires are the only components contacting the road surface.
I have a passion for cars and understand that inconsistent tire production dates are quite common in reality. Dealership inventory turnover is fast, making date mixing inevitable, but as long as the tire models are the same and wear evenly, it's generally not a big issue. The DOT code shows the week and year, and differences within six months are usually acceptable. If the dates vary by a few months, the changes in rubber elasticity and hardness are minimal, and ordinary city driving won’t reveal any noticeable difference. What you should watch out for is that significant date differences can lead to uneven aging rates, potentially causing uncoordinated responses during braking or steering, which may affect the vehicle's balance. I recommend checking the tire sidewalls when purchasing a car and taking photos for records. If concerned, negotiate with the 4S store for compensation in maintenance services. For long-term use, regular tire rotation ensures even wear. Don’t get too hung up on this—choosing a reputable tire brand and maintaining proper tire pressure are more important, and safe driving habits are the core. Handling it this way will make driving comfortable and worry-free.
