Where to Find the Date on Michelin Tires?
2 Answers
You can check the production date of Michelin tires by locating the DOT marking on the tire sidewall. The last four digits following this marking indicate the production date of the Michelin tire. The first two digits represent the week of production within the year, while the last two digits indicate the production year. Here are methods to identify genuine Michelin tires: 1. Observe the tread pattern color and gloss: The quality of a tire can be discerned by examining the color and gloss of its tread pattern. Genuine tires have a layered tread pattern with slight angles, whereas counterfeit tires have hollow patterns lacking depth. New tires exhibit a natural blue hue on the tread surface, while retreaded tires appear overly glossy. 2. Inspect the tread studs and computer lines: Authentic Michelin tires have clear and distinct tread studs and computer lines, whereas counterfeit tires may appear blurry or lack these features entirely. 3. Examine the tire: Check if the brand lettering is complete and free from signs of grinding. Verify the presence of the mandatory national CCC certification on the sidewall, along with clear markings of specifications, speed rating, load index, and other details. 4. Locate the minimum tread wear indicator: All tires feature a horizontal minimum tread wear indicator, typically a 1.6mm raised bar. 5. Check the certification: Legitimate Michelin tires sold through official channels usually come with a certification label attached to the tire's tag.
Every time I change tires, I teach others how to find the production date of Michelin tires. It's located in a small oval on the tire sidewall, usually marked with four digits. For example, the 40th week of 2023 would be labeled as 4023. Tires typically age and harden after about 5 years, making them prone to blowouts and accidents, so checking the date regularly is crucial. I've been driving for nearly ten years and have never had issues because of this. I recommend checking every six months. Beginners might only focus on tread wear, but the date is more important. Tires deteriorate under sun and weather exposure, regardless of the brand. If you find a tire older than 6 years, don't use it—replace it immediately. Safety first. It's best to take a quick look when washing the car or during maintenance—it saves time and gives peace of mind. In short, developing this habit can help avoid many accidents.
