
Tires are most suitable when manufactured within the last six months. The first two digits of the tire production date indicate the week of the year it was produced, while the last two digits represent the year of production. The functions of tires are: 1. Transmitting driving force, braking force, and steering force to enable vehicle operation; 2. Supporting vehicle loads; 3. Reducing and absorbing vibrations and impacts during driving, preventing severe vibrations from damaging vehicle components. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly removing stones stuck in tire treads; 2. Minimizing exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Promptly checking tire pressure; 4. Paying attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Regularly inspecting front wheel alignment; 6. Being mindful of driving habits.

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I believe tire manufacturing dates deserve serious attention. Generally, it's recommended to use new tires within 5-6 years for optimal performance. Prolonged storage causes rubber to harden and become brittle, compromising traction. The DOT code on my old car's tires was 3218, indicating they were manufactured in the 32nd week of 2018. By the fourth year, small cracks started appearing. Storage conditions are crucial - high garage temperatures and humidity accelerate aging. Park away from direct sunlight when possible, and regularly inspect sidewalls for cracks or bulges, especially before long trips. Tires are a vehicle's lifeline; don't compromise safety to save small money. Timely replacement prevents dangerous highway blowouts. For maximum safety, aim to replace tires within 5 years of their manufacture date.

After becoming a father, I pay special attention to safety details in the car, and the tire manufacturing date is a crucial point. Generally speaking, if new tires are stored properly, they can last up to 5 years after production without issues; beyond 6 years, the risk increases significantly, as they may age and crack even without use. Remember to check the last four digits of the tire's DOT code—for example, 1823 means the 18th week of 2023. Last time I changed tires, I found the old ones were 8 years old, with noticeably hardened rubber. I recommend visually inspecting the tread for cracks or deformations every six months and maintaining proper tire pressure with regular pressure checks. Tire lifespan is also affected by environmental factors, such as icy winters in the north or rainy seasons in the south, which accelerate wear. For the safety of your family, it's better to replace them early rather than regret it after an accident.

From practical experience, I recommend keeping the tire production date within 5 to 6 years as most reasonable. The last four digits of the tire DOT side code indicate the year and week, for example, 2419 means the 24th week of 2019. Even if they haven't been used, older tires can suffer from rubber oxidation, reducing elasticity and drainage performance, especially under summer sun exposure, making them prone to cracking. I always remind my friends to feel for any hard spots or fine cracks during annual maintenance checks, along with checking if the tread depth is sufficient. Storage methods are also crucial; stacking them in a damp garage can further shorten their lifespan. For safety, it's best not to exceed 7 years before replacement.


