How do I tell how old a tire is?

The last four numbers represent the manufacturer's date. The first two numbers indicate the week, while the last two indicate the year. (For example, a tire with the number 2910 was manufactured in the 29th week of 2010.)

How do I tell the age of my tires?

The chronological age of any tire can be found on the tire sidewall by examining the characters following the symbol "DOT". The last four numbers identify the date of manufacture of the tire to the nearest week. The first two of these four numbers identify the week of manufacture (which range from "01" to "53").

How do you read a 3 digit tire date code?

Tires built before 2000 featured a three-digit date code at the end of the Tire Identification Number. The first two digits of the date code tell you the week that the tires were built, and the last digit tells you the year.

How do you read the date a tire was made?

Remember that the last four digits of the code are the date the tire was manufactured. You can check the first two digits of the DOT code to know the week of the manufacturing. The last two digits will reveal the manufacturing year.

How old can a tire be and still be safe?

There is a general consensus that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.

How old are my tires? // How to check tire age

Do tires expire if not used?

If not used, tires last for 6-10 years, depending on the storage and environmental conditions. Overall, the time limits for stored tires are much the same as for tires that are being used.

Are 7 year old tires safe?

Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth. While there's no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. Old tires have been the culprit in fatal accidents.

Are 10 year old tires safe?

Any tire over ten years old is too weak to ensure safe driving. At this age, it's imperative that you replace your tires. For your safety, we will not service any tires aged 10 years or older.

How do you decode a DOT number on a tire?

The four-digit DOT code is usually located in a window on the tire sidewall. 3811 - The DOT code is a four-digit number, 3811 in this case. The first two digits of the DOT code indicate the production week of the year (from 1 to 52). The third and fourth digits of the DOT code indicate the year of manufacture.

How do you read a DOT on a tire?

The first two numbers of this grouping indicate the week of the year your tire was manufactured. The final two digits indicate the year that your tire was manufactured. For example, if your final four DOT numbers are 3020, your tire was manufactured in the 30th week of 2020.

Are tires date stamped?

Since 2000, the week and year the tire was produced has been provided by the last four digits of the Tire Identification Number with the 2 digits being used to identify the week immediately preceding the 2 digits used to identify the year.

Do all tires have date codes?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number stamped on the tire's sidewall contains a date code that identifies the age of your tires.

Can you drive on 8 year old tires?

The rubber trade association, as well as Michelin and Continental, said tires can be safely used for up to 10 years, provided the tread is not worn and there is no visible dry rot.

How long do tires last in storage?

Tires can last for several years in storage if they are stored in the right conditions. However, many tire experts recommend replacing tires six years after their production date regardless of the tread. Old tires can be compromised in other ways when the rubber compound breaks down.

Is a 20 year old spare tire safe?

Most full-size spare tires are designed to last anywhere from seven to 10 years, according to John Paul. That said, drivers should never use a tire with visible damage, such as cracks in the sidewall, punctures, impact bulges or irregular tread wear – all of which are dangerous to drive on.

Do tires expire after 5 years?

Every tire has a birth date—the day it was manufactured—and an expiration date that is six years from that manufacture date. Most automobile manufacturers warn drivers to replace vehicle tires after six years. To wait any longer than that is a gamble with tire integrity and is risky for drivers.

Is it OK to buy 5 year old tires?

"The rule of thumb for the lifespan of tires is five years," says Al Premji, owner of Vancouver's ABC Tire. "After about five years, the rubber becomes hard and, even if the tires are looking good, the traction reduces and weakens quite dramatically, actually.

Are 30 year old tires safe?

Per BRMA, unused tires over six years old should never be put in service, and all tires should be replaced after 10 years from their date of manufacture. JATMA recommends inspection after five years and replacement after 10, regardless of treadwear and overall condition.

Should tires be stored flat or upright?

Make sure to store your tires away from things like electric motors, furnaces, switches, and sump pumps because they are sources of ozone. 5. If possible, store tires vertically rather than stacking horizontally to reduce stress and tire distortion. Also, place on a piece of clean wood and not directly on the ground.

Are tires still good after 6 years?

Tires do age, but because that aging is due to a myriad of factors and is a safety concern, tire replacement guidelines rightfully fall on the conservative side. Five years, however, is a little too conservative. Only one producer, Avon, recommended anything close: seven years.

How old can tires be sold?

There are no laws or regulations prohibiting the sale of tires manufactured more than six years ago, but both safety experts and many vehicle manufacturers recommend against using any tire older than six years.

What is the oldest tire you should buy?

Tires made before 2000 have a different code, but any tire over 10 years old is not recommended for road use. They are too old.

Do tires dry rot in garage?

Bad news: That pricey recommendation could well be right. Tire rot is caused by ambient heat, UV radiation (which has a similar effect on your face), ozone in the atmosphere, road salt and time. These factors are mostly worse if your car lives outside, but even garage queens can't sit on one set of tires forever.

Is it OK to store tires in a shed?

Many people choose to store tires in their unheated garage or shed. Temperature and moisture fluctuations make this environment less than ideal but if this is your only option, it's better than leaving them outdoors. It's okay to stack tires on top of each other.

Does parking on concrete damage tires?

Tires should not be stored directly on a concrete surface. The concrete surface may become damp or frozen, or contaminated with spilled chemicals which may adversely affect the tire's condition.