Ever wondered how old your tyres really are? Whether you’re buying a used car, replacing old tyres, or just curious about safety, knowing the year your tyres were made can make a big difference. Tyre age impacts performance and safety, even if the tread looks fine.
In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to find your tyre’s year of manufacture, with easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and insider insights—so you can drive with confidence.
How to Find the Year of Manufacture of a Tyre
Knowing the exact year your tire was manufactured is more important than most drivers realize. Tire age isn’t just a trivia detail; it plays a direct role in your safety, the vehicle’s performance, and how long your tires last. If you’ve ever wondered, “How can I find out when my tires were made?” you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the process so you can quickly and confidently find your tire’s manufacture date.
Understanding Tire Date Codes: The Key to Tire Age
Every tire sold for use on public roads is required to have a date of manufacture stamped right on the sidewall. This information is hidden in a string of characters known as the DOT code — a unique identifier assigned by the Department of Transportation.
What is the DOT Code?
- The DOT code is a series of letters and numbers found on your tire’s sidewall.
- “DOT” stands for Department of Transportation.
- This code not only shows the date of manufacture but also where and who made the tire.
The part you care about for age is the last four digits. These numbers tell you the exact week and year your tire was made.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find and Read the Tire Manufacture Date
Let’s make the process simple and foolproof. Here’s how you can track down and interpret your tire’s date of birth:
1. Locate the DOT Code on Your Tire
- Examine the sidewall of your tire (the round, flat surface facing out when the tire is mounted).
- Look for the letters “DOT” followed by a string of numbers and letters. The whole code could be up to 13 characters long.
- The full DOT code may be found on only one side of the tire, so if you don’t see it, check the side facing toward the car.
2. Find the Last Four Digits
- Ignore everything before the last four numbers in the DOT code — that’s what specifies the date.
- For example, if the DOT code is “DOT X0 XX XXXX 2418,” focus on “2418”.
3. Decode the Four-Digit Number
- The first two digits represent the week of manufacture (from 01 to 52).
- The last two digits indicate the year.
- Using our example:
- “24” = 24th week of the year.
- “18” = 2018.
- This tire was manufactured in the 24th week of 2018, which is roughly mid-June.
4. For Tires Made Before 2000
- Some very old tires have a three-digit code (e.g., “328”).
- The first two digits are the week, the last is the year within the decade (but not the full year).
- Example: “328” = 32nd week of either 1988 or 1998 (hard to tell, which is why tires this old should not be used).
Why Tire Age Matters
Understanding how old your tires are isn’t just for curiosity. Tire rubber ages and degrades, even if there’s plenty of tread left.
Important Reasons to Check Tire Age
- Rubber dries out as it ages, leading to cracks and a loss of grip.
- Old tires are at higher risk of sudden failure (blowouts) — even if not heavily used.
- Many vehicle manufacturers and safety organizations recommend replacing tires that are 6 to 10 years old, regardless of usage.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Managing your tires well starts with knowing more than just their age. Here are some best practices:
Check Your Tires Regularly
- Inspect your tire sidewalls for the DOT code at least once per year.
- Ask your mechanic to verify the tire ages during routine servicing.
Rotate and Replace Tires
- Evenly rotate your tires to extend their life and ensure even wear.
- Replace all tires (including the spare) if they are over 6-10 years old — even if they appear visually fine.
Store Tires Properly
- If you store spare tires, keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to slow aging.
Don’t Rely on Tread Depth Alone
- A tire can have great-looking tread but still be dangerously old.
- Always check the manufacture date alongside other tire conditions.
Be Cautious When Buying
- When purchasing new tires, always check their DOT code to ensure they’re truly new.
- Avoid buying tires manufactured years before your purchase date, even if labeled “brand new”.
Common Challenges in Reading Tire Date Codes
While checking the DOT code is usually straightforward, a few challenges occasionally pop up:
1. Code Placement
- The complete DOT code might only be on one side (the inner or outer face), making it harder to spot.
- For certain vehicles, you may have to crawl under the car or remove the tire to see the code.
2. Faded or Obscured Numbers
- Dirt, curb rash, or aging rubber can make numbers difficult to read.
- Clean the tire gently with a brush or cloth for better visibility.
3. Misinterpreting Pre-2000 Codes
- Many tires produced before 2000 use a three-digit date code, which doesn’t tell you the complete year.
- As a rule: If you find a three-digit date code, the tire is too old for use.
Additional Aspects: The Numbers Beyond the Date
The DOT code contains more than just the date. Though not directly related to age, some find it helpful to understand:
- Manufacturer identification symbols
- Plant location codes
- Tire size
For most drivers, focus primarily on the last four digits to stay safe and informed.
Summary
Finding your tire’s year of manufacture is as simple as locating and reading the last four digits of the DOT code on your tire’s sidewall. Checking this date is crucial, regardless of tread depth, for maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance. Make tire age checks part of your regular maintenance routine, and don’t hesitate to replace tires that are approaching (or exceeding) the recommended age limits. Remember: fresh tires mean a safer ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if my tire is too old, even if it looks fine?
A tire’s rubber compounds break down over time, regardless of tread appearance. If a tire is 6 years old or more, you should consider replacing it—a standard practiced by safety experts and car manufacturers—regardless of how “new” it looks.
Can I find the tire’s date code on both sides of the tire?
Not always. For many tires, the full DOT code (including the manufacturing date) appears on only one side. If you can’t find it on the outwards-facing side, look at the tire’s inner side, or ask your mechanic for assistance.
What does a three-digit date code mean?
Three-digit date codes were used before 2000. They only tell you the week and last digit of the year, making it impossible to know the exact year. For safety, tires with these codes are considered expired and unsafe for use.
Does tire age matter if the tire has never been used?
Yes! Even unused tires age and degrade due to exposure to oxygen and environmental factors. Rubber compounds lose flexibility over time. Always check the date code, regardless of usage, before installing or purchasing tires.
How do I know if I’m buying a “fresh” tire from a shop?
Check the DOT date code before buying. Ideally, a new tire should be less than a year old. Don’t be shy to request to see the actual tires being installed—reputable dealers expect informed customers and will be happy to help.
Staying on top of your tire’s age will give you peace of mind on the road, help you avoid unexpected problems, and keep your vehicle performing at its best. Happy (and safe) driving!
