Is It Normal for New Car Tires to Not Have a Production Date?
4 Answers
It is not normal for new car tires to lack a production date. Here are the relevant details: 1. Production Date: The production date refers to the date and time when a product completes all manufacturing processes on the production line, passes inspection, and is packaged as a finished product ready for sale in the market. Nowadays, most companies gradually standardize the production date and batch number of their products. All tires have a production date. 2. Time Difference: Even if the four tires of a new car are not from the exact same date, they may still belong to the same batch. Sometimes there might be a slight time difference, but the dates should be relatively close. Tires are used to be mounted on newly manufactured vehicles.
Having driven for several years, I pay special attention to tire details, especially during the new car phase. The production date is usually marked in a small area on the tire sidewall, such as numbers like 2314 indicating the tire was manufactured in the 23rd week of 2014. It's absolutely abnormal for new car tires to lack this date because tires naturally age over time, with rubber losing elasticity and becoming brittle even if unused, increasing the risk of a blowout. I've inspected many cars, and reputable manufacturers always mark this. The absence of a date likely suggests the tire has been stored too long, is refurbished, or was installed carelessly. I recommend thoroughly checking the tire edges before taking delivery. If you can't find the date code, immediately report it to the seller and request new tires to ensure safety. Don't dismiss it as a hassle—this directly affects your stability during high-speed driving.
As an ordinary car owner, my experience tells me this is something you must check. When I bought my first new car, I encountered tires without production dates and was shocked. Later, I researched and learned that all legitimate tires have production date markings, such as a three-digit code plus the year imprinted. Missing this means you don't know the actual "lifespan" of the tires—rubber hardens and becomes prone to cracking after being stored for over five years. I've seen friends neglect this issue, resulting in unstable tire pressure right after hitting the road. A new car should come with brand-new tires; missing dates could indicate overstock or quality issues. I suggest taking some time after getting the car to look for the small print on the tire sidewall. If it's missing, take photos as evidence immediately and go back to the dealership. Don't just rely on the exterior looking new—internal details are more critical.
From a safety perspective, I must emphasize that missing production dates on new car tires is absolutely abnormal. The date serves as the baseline for determining the onset of aging—tire performance degrades after several years from manufacture, and without this marking, you cannot monitor the risk. When rubber becomes brittle and hard, traction weakens, increasing the likelihood of losing control during sharp turns or in rainy conditions. New car owners should be vigilant about this detail; if the date is missing, it could indicate retreaded tires or an oversight—never drive at high speeds under such circumstances. I recommend immediately stopping to inspect and contacting a professional service center for replacement without delay, as neglecting this could compromise your family's travel safety.
