Ever wondered if your car’s tyres are still safe, or if it’s time for a replacement? Knowing the year your tyres were made is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Tyres can look fine on the outside, but their age can affect safety and performance.
In this article, you’ll discover easy ways to identify your tyre’s year of manufacture, why it matters, and helpful tips to keep your journey safe and smooth.
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How to Know the Year of Manufacture of Your Tyre
Understanding when your tyres were manufactured is a crucial part of vehicle maintenance and safety. Tyres age over time, and using old tyres can put you at risk on the road, even if there’s plenty of tread left. Fortunately, every modern tyre has a clear marking that allows you to determine its year—and even the exact week—of manufacture. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to read your tyre’s date code, why it matters, and what you should do with this information.
The Simple Answer: Locating the Tyre’s Manufacture Year
Every tyre produced since the year 2000 features a specific code on its sidewall that reveals when it was made. This code is part of the Department of Transportation (DOT) marking, a legal requirement for tyres sold worldwide.
To know your tyre’s year of manufacture:
Look for a four-digit number at the end of the DOT code on your tyre’s sidewall. These digits tell you the week and year your tyre was made.
For example, if your tyre displays “DOT X5JW 1A3X 2519”:
– The “2519” means it was made in the 25th week of 2019.
Where to Find the Date Code
Step 1: Locate the Tyre’s Sidewall
Stand next to your car and look closely at your tyre’s outside edge (sidewall). Manufacturers mold several codes and numbers into the rubber. You are looking for the DOT code, which begins with the letters “DOT”.
Step 2: Find the Full DOT Code
The DOT code can be quite long, sometimes up to 12 characters. It may contain letters and numbers. Look for the full code, ending in a block of four numbers.
Step 3: Identify the Four-Digit Date Stamp
- The last four digits of the DOT code will look something like “3521”, “1108”, or “4216”.
- These numbers are separated from the rest of the code, often in their own little oval.
Step 4: Decode the Numbers
- The first two digits indicate the week of manufacture (from 01 to 52).
- The last two digits indicate the year.
Example:
– “1017” means the 10th week of 2017 (early March 2017).
If you see a three-digit code, your tyre is likely very old (pre-2000). Modern tyres all use the four-digit system.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reading the Tyre’s Manufacture Date
Here’s how you can easily find and understand your tyre’s age:
- Clean the Sidewall: If your tyres are dirty, wipe the area with a damp cloth to make markings visible.
- Find the “DOT” Stamp: Look for the “DOT” symbol embedded on the sidewall.
- Read the Code to the End: The last four numbers are what you need.
- Interpret the Date:
- First two numbers: week of the year (01 – 52).
- Last two numbers: year of manufacture.
Example Walkthrough
- You spot: DOT B6JH 9DHR 0518
- Focus on “0518”:
- “05” = 5th week (early February)
- “18” = 2018
- This tyre was made in the 5th week of 2018.
Why the Tyre’s Manufacture Date Matters
Checking your tyre’s age is more than curiosity—it’s about your safety. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Tyre Rubber Ages: Regardless of mileage or appearance, rubber breaks down over time. Tyres can harden, crack, or lose grip.
- Safety Risks Increase with Age: Old tyres are prone to blowouts and poor performance, especially in wet or hot conditions.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Most car and tyre manufacturers recommend replacing tyres every 6 to 10 years, regardless of tread depth.
- Insurance and Roadworthiness: Some insurers and inspection bodies require proof of tyre age for safety compliance.
Important Aspects to Consider
1. Tyre Age vs. Tread Wear
A tyre can look almost new but still be unsafe. Tyres that are more than 6 years old—even with deep tread remaining—are at increased risk for failure. Always check both tread condition and age.
2. Storage Counts Too
Even if a tyre hasn’t been used, it can still age. Tyres stored in a warehouse still experience ageing from heat, humidity, and ozone.
3. Spare Tyres Matter
Don’t neglect the spare in your trunk. Spares often sit unused for years and may be dangerously old when you finally need them.
4. Checking All Four Tyres
It’s common for tyre sets to be replaced in pairs or singles. Each tyre might have a different manufacture date. Always check each one.
How to Handle Older Tyres
- If under 6 years old and undamaged: Tyres are generally safe if maintained and stored well.
- 6–10 years old: Increase the frequency of inspections. Replace at first sign of cracking or damage.
- Over 10 years old: Replace immediately, even if the tyre looks fine.
Remember, these are guidelines. Factors like climate, driving style, tyre quality, and storage conditions can accelerate tyre ageing.
Best Practices & Practical Tips
When Buying New Tyres
- Check Before Fitting: Ask your tyre shop to show you the manufacture date before installation.
- Prefer Fresher Stock: Ideally, choose tyres made within the past year.
- Beware ‘New Old Stock’: Avoid tyres that have sat in a warehouse for several years.
Regular Tyre Checks
- Inspect Annually for Age: Make it a habit to check tyre manufacture dates each year.
- Combine Inspections with Services: Ask your mechanic to check tyres during regular maintenance.
Reading Worn Markings
- Use a torch or the camera on your phone to help read faded markings.
- Roll your car slightly if the date code is facing the ground.
Document Your Tyre Ages
- Keep a simple record of each tyre’s DOT code, installation date, and planned replacement window.
Common Challenges
- Date Code Hidden: Sometimes the date code is on the inside-facing sidewall. You may need to jack up the car or visit a tyre shop.
- Faded Numbers: Older or sun-damaged tyres may have faint markings. Light cleaning or wetting the surface can help.
- Tyres Without Date Code: Tyres made before 2000 may not use the four-digit standard. For these, replacement is almost always recommended.
Benefits of Knowing Your Tyre’s Age
- Peace of Mind: Drive with confidence, knowing your tyres are safe.
- Better Bargaining Power: Prevent shops from selling you old, unsold tyres as “brand new”.
- Reduced Risk: Lower the chances of tyre failure due to age.
- Timely Replacements: Replace tyres at the right time, not too early or too late.
- Enhanced Vehicle Safety: Especially important during long trips or extreme weather.
Summary
Learning how to find and interpret your tyre’s year of manufacture is straightforward and empowers you to make safer choices for yourself and your passengers. Always check the DOT code for the four-digit number, decode it to reveal the exact week and year your tyre was made, and use this knowledge to ensure your tyres are within a safe age limit. Combine tyre age with visual and tread inspections for complete peace of mind on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I find the year my tyre was made?
The year of manufacture is found in the last two digits of a four-digit code at the end of the DOT code on your tyre’s sidewall. For example, if the code is “3220”, the tyre was made in the 32nd week of the year 2020.
2. Can I use tyres that are 7 or 8 years old if they look fine?
Even if tyres have good tread and look undamaged, they may not be safe. Rubber degrades with age, so it’s best to replace tyres that are 6–10 years old, or sooner if you notice cracks, bulges, or other issues.
3. Where exactly is the date code located?
The date code is on the tyre’s sidewall at the end of the DOT string. It may sometimes be on the inside (the side facing the vehicle), so you may need to inspect both sides of the tyre.
4. Does it matter if my vehicle’s spare tyre is old?
Yes! Spare tyres age just like regular tyres, even if never used. Always check your spare’s date code and replace it if it’s more than 6 years old or shows signs of ageing.
5. What should I do if the date code is missing or unreadable?
If you can’t find a four-digit date code, your tyre may be very old or the marking may have worn off. In either case, it’s safest to replace the tyre. Tyres without clear date codes are likely past their usable life.
Armed with these insights, you can keep your tyres—and your journeys—safe. Check your tyre’s age today and make informed decisions for the road ahead!
