Where to Find the Production Date of Car Tires?
3 Answers
On the DOT marking molded on the tire, the adjacent 11-digit number and letters represent the tire's identification number or serial number. The last four digits of the serial number indicate the production date of the tire. It consists of four digits "AABB". The first two digits "AA" represent the week of the year, and the last two digits "BB" represent the year. Below is an introduction to car tires: 1. Tire production date code format: The first two digits indicate the production week, and the last two digits indicate the production year. For example, 1204 means the tire was produced in the 12th week of 2004. 2. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery for rolling contact with the ground. They are usually installed on metal rims to support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain the vehicle's driving performance. 3. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions. During driving, they endure various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures. Therefore, they must have high load-bearing performance, traction performance, and cushioning performance. At the same time, they are also required to have high wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as low rolling resistance and heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is used for tire production, highlighting the significant rubber consumption capacity of tires.
During my routine car maintenance, I often check the tire manufacturing date, which is actually quite easy to find on the tire sidewall. You need to crouch down and carefully examine the tire wall, where you'll find a 'DOT'-prefixed serial code. The last four digits are crucial—the first two indicate the week of the year, and the last two represent the last two digits of the year. For example, '3621' means the tire was manufactured in the 36th week of 2021. This method is simple but important: even with deep treads, tires age over time, and rubber degradation increases the risk of blowouts. I recommend checking at least once a year, especially if the car frequently travels long distances or is parked outdoors exposed to sunlight. Generally, tire lifespan is 6 to 10 years, and using them beyond this period is a safety hazard. Developing this habit can help prevent accidents. Don’t forget to use a flashlight to assist in reading—some dates might be on the inner side of the wheel, requiring you to turn the steering wheel to see them.
To locate the tire manufacturing date, follow these steps: First, park your car steadily and turn off the engine, then crouch beside the tire and carefully inspect the sidewall. The last four digits following the 'DOT' code engraved there indicate the production date – the first two digits represent the production week (01-52), and the last two digits denote the last two digits of the year. For example, '0522' means the 5th week of 2022. I usually perform this check in good lighting conditions, using a phone flashlight for better visibility. This date helps determine if the tire has expired or aged, as tire rubber deteriorates over time. Once it exceeds 6 years, replacement is recommended even if the tread appears thick. Regularly checking these details can reduce driving risks, and I always combine it with tire pressure measurements. Remember, safety first – don’t overlook these small aspects.
