What does yyy on tires mean?
4 Answers
Tire yyy represents the prefix for the production date, with the following numbers indicating the specific date. Below is a detailed introduction about tires: 1. Composition: Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle. Their main functions include supporting the entire weight of the vehicle, bearing the load of the car; transmitting traction and braking torque, ensuring the adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, and mitigating and absorbing vibrations and impacts during driving. 2. Function: Preventing automotive components from severe vibrations and early damage, adapting to the high-speed performance of the vehicle and reducing noise during driving, ensuring driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and energy efficiency.
The 'yyy' on the side of a tire usually refers to the year code. The last two digits represent the production year, for example, '23' means it was produced in 2023. This marking is particularly important because tire rubber naturally ages. If you see that a tire is over 6 years old, even if the tread is still deep, I would recommend replacing it. After all, safety comes first. Last time when I helped my neighbor check his car, I found that his 2017 tires had cracks on the side. When choosing tires, pay attention to the date to avoid buying stock tires. The production week number is in the first two digits, for example, '3523' means the tire was produced in the 35th week of 2023.
If you see a complete size designation like 225/45R18 followed by yyy, that might be the speed rating code and load index. For example, a combination like 91V means 91 indicates the tire can carry 615 kg per tire, and V represents a maximum speed of 240 km/h. Paying attention to this is quite practical for daily car use, especially when replacing tires—remember to match the original factory parameters. My friend opted for cheaper tires with a lower speed rating and noticeably felt the car drifting at high speeds. It’s crucial to check tire specifications when buying, especially SUV owners who need to ensure the load index can support the vehicle's weight.
yyy could also be a factory code or random serial number, which is used for production batch tracking. Typically found in the string of codes following the DOT certification on the tire sidewall, it may include factory codes and specification codes. While it holds little significance for the average car owner, it becomes useful in case of recalls. I recall seeing news about a specific batch of tires being recalled, identified precisely by this code. Recording the complete DOT code of your tires, including manufacturer information and serial numbers, makes it much easier to look up in emergencies. However, to be honest, most people only need to remember the production date.
