Where is the manufacturing year of a car tire located?
2 Answers
The manufacturing year of a car tire is printed on the tire sidewall near the rim, represented by 4 digits. The first two digits indicate the production week, and the last two digits indicate the production year. How to check the tire manufacturing year: There is usually a DOT mark embossed on one side of the tire. The last four digits after this mark indicate the production date information, consisting of four digits "AABB". The first two digits "AA" represent the week of the year, while the last two digits "BB" represent the year. Precautions for car tires: Tires with cracks should be replaced immediately. If the crack length is less than 6mm and hasn't damaged the internal cord material, it can be repaired at a shop without immediate replacement. However, if the damage is too large or the sidewall is already broken, the tire should be replaced as soon as possible. If you feel it's wasteful to discard the replaced tire, it can be repaired and used temporarily as a spare tire. The four tires of a family car are generally of the same brand and specification to ensure optimal vehicle performance. If the four tires have inconsistent sizes, structures, or wear patterns, it will affect the vehicle's handling and stability. Therefore, when tires show significant wear and one needs replacement, it's best to replace all four tires simultaneously.
Having driven for over a decade, I know exactly where to find the tire's manufacturing date: it's in the small-print DOT code on the tire's sidewall. The last four digits indicate the production date—the first two represent the week, and the last two the year. For example, '2519' means the tire was made in the 25th week of 2019. Why does this matter? Aged tires are prone to cracks or blowouts, especially during hot summer months when risks are higher. I inspect mine every six months to ensure none are older than 8 years. A quick squat to glance at the sidewall while parking can prevent safety hazards. If tires are too old, it's best to replace them—don't skimp on safety; it should always come first!
