Where to Check the Manufacturing Date of Tires?
4 Answers
Tire manufacturing dates can be found on the sidewall of the tire, indicated by a series of alphanumeric characters starting with DOT. DOT stands for Department of Transportation certification in the United States. The following numbers and letters represent the tire's origin information and factory code, while the last four digits indicate the manufacturing date. More related information is as follows: 1. Tire Markings: In addition to the manufacturing date, the tire sidewall also displays markings such as tire width, aspect ratio, tire type, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating. 2. Tire Shelf Life: Tires typically have a shelf life of about 4 to 5 years. When purchasing tires, pay attention to their manufacturing date and try to avoid tires that have been stored for more than 3 years. Since tires are made of rubber, prolonged storage can lead to aging, resulting in deteriorating performance. If cracks appear, the risk of a blowout increases, which can affect driving safety.
I've been driving for several years now, and the tire production date can be found on the sidewall of the tire. There's a small box or imprint with a DOT code, where the last four digits are crucial. The first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, if you see 2519, it means the tire was produced in the 25th week of 2019. I remember noticing this only when I last changed my tires. Tires age quickly, and after six years, it's essential to check for safety. Every time I wash my car, I take a quick look to ensure there are no cracks or deformations, avoiding blowouts at high speeds. Actually, the location is quite obvious—just bend down to see it. But new tires often have a matte finish when they're fresh, so you need to look carefully in the corners to not miss the fine details. This habit has saved me from trouble multiple times. If a tire is over five years old, it's better not to take the risk.
I've been in the car repair circle. To check the tire production date, look for the DOT marking on the sidewall, specifically the last four digits of the code. The first two digits represent the week number, and the last two indicate the year. For example, 1321 means the tire was manufactured in the 13th week of 2021. The marking is usually located near the outer or inner edge of the tire and sometimes hidden near the tread pattern, so you may need to slowly rotate the wheel to find it. Most tires have a lifespan of five to ten years, and checking the date helps assess aging. I recommend inspecting tire conditions monthly along with pressure measurements. If the numbers are faded, clean them with water or a cloth to read them clearly. Don't overlook minor damages, as they can lead to skidding, especially in rainy conditions. Some imported tires may have the marking in different locations, but the principle remains the same—stay vigilant and prioritize safety.
When I first bought my car, I knew nothing about tires. Later, a friend taught me that the tire production date can be found on the sidewall, indicated by the last four digits of the DOT code. Simply put, the first two digits represent the week, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, 0818 means the 8th week of 2018. The location is on the outer side of the tire wall, and you can easily see it by bending down. At that time, my new car's tires had 1919 marked, so I realized they were from the 19th week of 2019. Checking is crucial because as tires age, their performance declines, braking distance increases, and handling is affected. Now, I always check the date during every maintenance to ensure they are not older than ten years.
