Knowing the age of your tires is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road. Tires degrade over time, even when not in use, and their performance can significantly diminish after a certain period. Driving on old tires increases the risk of blowouts, reduced traction, and compromised handling, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
How to Tell When Tires Were Made
Fortunately, tire manufacturers include a unique code on each tire that reveals its production date. By understanding this code, you can easily determine the age of your tires and make informed decisions about their replacement.
Decoding the Tire Date Code
The tire date code is a four-digit number located on the sidewall of the tire. The first two digits represent the week of the year the tire was manufactured, while the last two digits represent the year. For example, a date code of “2322” indicates that the tire was made in the 23rd week of 2022.
How To Tell Date Tires Were Made
Knowing when your tires were manufactured is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road. Tires age, even if they haven’t been driven much, and old tires can become brittle and prone to failure. Fortunately, tire manufacturers embed a code on each tire that reveals its production date. This guide will walk you through the process of deciphering this code and understanding what the numbers and letters mean.
Decoding the Tire Date Code
The tire date code is a four-digit number located on the sidewall of the tire. It’s usually found near the tire’s DOT (Department of Transportation) identification number. The code indicates the week and year the tire was manufactured.
Understanding the Code
The tire date code consists of two parts:
- Week of Manufacture: The first two digits represent the week number of the year the tire was made. Weeks run from January 1st to December 31st, with Week 01 being the first week of the year.
- Year of Manufacture: The last two digits represent the year the tire was manufactured. For example, a code of “2123” means the tire was made in the 21st week of 2023.
Example Tire Date Codes
Here are some examples to illustrate how the code works:
- 3222: This code indicates the tire was manufactured in the 32nd week of 2022.
- 1523: This code indicates the tire was manufactured in the 15th week of 2023.
- 0821: This code indicates the tire was manufactured in the 8th week of 2021.
Checking Your Tires’ Age
To determine the age of your tires, follow these steps: (See Also: What Does Getting Your Tires Rotated Mean)
1.
Locate the tire date code on the sidewall of each tire. It’s usually near the DOT number.
2.
Identify the week and year of manufacture from the code.
3.
Subtract the year of manufacture from the current year to determine the tire’s age in years. (See Also: Why My Front Tires Wear So Fast)
Tire Age and Safety
Tires generally have a lifespan of six to ten years, regardless of mileage. However, factors such as driving conditions, storage conditions, and exposure to sunlight can affect tire lifespan.
Signs of Aging Tires
Look out for these signs of aging tires:
- Cracking or checking on the sidewall or tread.
- Hardened or brittle rubber.
- Loss of tread depth.
- Bulges or blisters on the sidewall.
The Importance of Replacing Old Tires
Driving on old tires can be dangerous. As tires age, they become more susceptible to blowouts and other failures. This can lead to loss of control of your vehicle and increase the risk of an accident.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and replace your tires if they are six years old or older, even if they appear to be in good condition.
Recap
Knowing how to read a tire date code is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s safety. By understanding the code and checking your tires’ age regularly, you can ensure that your tires are in good condition and reduce the risk of a dangerous blowout. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult a tire professional.
How To Tell Date Tires Were Made
Where is the tire manufacturing date located?
The tire manufacturing date is usually found on the sidewall of the tire. It’s a four-digit code, where the first two digits represent the week of the year and the last two digits represent the year the tire was made.
What does a tire date code like “2218” mean?
“2218” means the tire was manufactured in the 22nd week of 2018. (See Also: What Are Studded Tires Used For)
How can I determine if my tires are too old?
Tires generally have a lifespan of about 6 years, even if they haven’t been driven much. It’s best to replace tires that are older than 6 years, regardless of tread depth, to ensure safety and optimal performance.
What happens to tires as they age?
Over time, rubber compounds in tires can deteriorate, leading to cracking, hardening, and a decrease in overall performance. This can increase the risk of blowouts and accidents.
Can I safely drive on old tires?
Driving on tires that are older than 6 years is not recommended. While they may still have tread, the rubber can become brittle and unsafe, increasing the risk of a blowout. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and replace old tires.
