Where to Check the Manufacturing Date of Tires?

[DelBraxton]

The manufacturing date of tires can be found on the outer sidewall of the tire. The outer side of the tire has several important features. For most tires, the outer side is marked with the English word "outside," while the inner side is marked with "inside." If these words are not present, you can also distinguish the outer side by the red solid dot and yellow hollow dot on the tire sidewall—these dots indicate the outer side of the tire. On the outer side of the tire, there is a four-digit number in an elongated oval shape following the letters "DOT." The first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, "3511" means the tire was manufactured in the 35th week of 2011. In addition to the manufacturing date, tires also display the following common data: Tire type code, rim diameter (in inches), load index (permissible load mass code), and permissible speed code. For example, in "175-70R14-77H," 175 represents the tire width in millimeters, 70 indicates the aspect ratio (the height of the tire's cross-section is 70% of its width), R stands for radial tire, 14 is the rim diameter in inches, 77 is the load index, and H is the speed rating. Tire carcass ply material: Indicated by Chinese pinyin, such as M for cotton ply, R for rayon ply, N for nylon ply, G for steel ply, and ZG for steel radial ply tires. Speed rating: Indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions. Letters A to Z represent certified speed ratings ranging from 4.8 km/h to 300 km/h. Common speed ratings include: Q: 160 km/h; H: 210 km/h; V: 240 km/h; W: 270 km/h; Y: 300 km/h. During daily use of tires, pay attention to the following points: Regularly inspect the tire surface for cracks, deformations, or other defects. Due to wear from driving, the tread grooves gradually become shallower. If the tread is worn flat, it loses its ability to drain water and provide traction, significantly reducing the vehicle's performance. Small cracks can also pose a risk of tire blowouts at high speeds. Additionally, promptly remove stones lodged in the grooves. Park on level ground whenever possible. Avoid parking on roads with thick, sharp, or pointed stones. Do not park near or in contact with petroleum products, acids, or other materials that can deteriorate rubber. After parking, avoid turning the steering wheel, as this accelerates tire wear. Do not splash water to cool overheated tires. In hot weather or during high-speed driving, tires can overheat, increasing air pressure. In such cases, stop to let the tires cool naturally. Never release air to reduce pressure or splash water to cool the tires, as this can cause abnormal aging of the tread rubber. Avoid sudden braking. Minimize frequent or hard braking to prevent accelerated tread wear from dragging against the road surface.