Is It Normal for the Four Tires of a New Car to Have Different Production Dates?
2 Answers
It is normal for the four tires of a new car to have different production dates. However, the difference is usually not significant. If the difference is too large, it is necessary to be cautious. The functions of car tires: Ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road; improve the traction, braking, and off-road capability of the car; bear the weight of the car. The important role of tires in automobiles is increasingly being recognized. Tire specifications: Tire types have internationally standard tire codes, expressed in millimeters as the section width and the percentage of the aspect ratio. This is followed by the tire type code, rim diameter (in inches), load index (permissible load mass code), and permissible speed code.
In my decades of driving, I've encountered several instances where the production dates of new car tires were different, which is actually quite common. Especially when large-brand factories produce vehicles quickly, tires may come from different batches, and minor date differences within six months are generally not a problem. However, be cautious if the date difference is too large, as it might indicate the inclusion of old tires, which could affect wear balance or braking safety. It's advisable to check the DOT code (those numbers represent the year and week) of each tire when picking up the car; uniformity across all tires is ideal. If they're inconsistent, it's best to replace the entire set when changing tires in the future to avoid premature wear of a single tire. While driving, pay attention to any unusual vibrations, as this can help you avoid potential issues and improve overall driving comfort.