Where to Check the Date on Car Tires?
4 Answers
Tire dates can be found on the outer side of the tire. Tires are crucial components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working in conjunction with the suspension to absorb shocks during driving. They ensure good ride comfort and smooth driving, maintain excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road, enhance traction, braking, and off-road capability, and bear the vehicle's weight. Tires can be categorized by vehicle type: 1. Passenger car tires; 2. Light truck tires; 3. Truck and bus tires; 4. Agricultural vehicle tires; 5. Construction vehicle tires; 6. Industrial vehicle tires; 7. Aircraft tires; 8. Motorcycle tires.
I just checked the date code on my car tires - it's crucial for safety. The tire production date is stamped on the sidewall. Look carefully at the circular text and find the DOT code. The date is usually the last four digits, like "2519" meaning the 25th week of 2019. Tires age rapidly - even with good tread, they become prone to cracking after six years. Last time at the repair shop, I found an old tire with expired date code and nearly had an accident on the highway. Regular date checks prevent blowouts, especially in humid southern rainy seasons that accelerate rubber deterioration. Pro tip: clean sidewall grime during car washes to keep codes legible. Tire lifespan also depends on driving habits - city drivers should check dates biennially, while frequent long-distance travelers ought to inspect semiannually. This small routine can save major trouble.
I used to work in a tire shop before buying my car, so checking the date is easy for me. First, squat down and look at the sidewall of the tire to find the text starting with DOT, which is a standard certification code. The date code is always at the end, consisting of four digits: the first two represent the week of the year, and the last two represent the year. For example, "1122" means the tire was manufactured in the 11th week of 2022. Beginners might overlook this, but aged tires can significantly increase braking distance, which is very dangerous. I recommend checking the date every time you change the oil. If the tire is over five years old, be cautious regardless of its wear level. Also, direct sunlight can accelerate degradation, so it's best to park in the shade. When buying used tires, pay extra attention to the date to avoid being scammed. Before driving, feel the sidewall with your hand to check for smoothness. If there are many cracks, address the issue promptly.
I drive a lot for deliveries, and regularly checking tire dates has saved me a lot of money. The method is simple: after parking, bend down and look at the outer side of the tire. There's usually a square or a string of letters marked 'DOT', with the date code always at the end, like '0418' meaning the 4th week of 2018. Over time, the rubber on tires hardens, especially in the cold northern winters, making them prone to cracking. I once encountered tires with dates ten years old still in use—that's practically playing with your life. A good habit is to check them monthly, combining it with tire pressure measurements for safety and practicality. Don't just check one tire; inspect all four to ensure consistency. If the date is illegible, it might be a retread—just walk away and don't buy it.
