Is there a date code on tires?

What is the Tire Date Code? The Tire Date Code is included on your tire's sidewall and is included in a series of numbers known as the DOT Code – also known as the Tire Identification Number (TIN).

Do all tires have a date code?

To determine the age of your tires, check the last four digits of the U.S. 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.

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.

Why don t My tires have a date code?

My Tires Don't have a Code on Them!

Tire manufacturers want to make it as hard as possible for you to determine your tire's age, so they've inconveniently placed the manufacture date on only one side of your tires.

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 to read dot dates on car tires AND read where they were made.

How do I tell when a tire was manufactured?

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.

Are 4 year old tires still good?

We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains. When it comes to replacing tires, things can be a little unpredictable. Mileage, condition and routine maintenance all contribute to the tire's safety and usability. You should replace them if you think they may have compromised integrity.

How long are tires good for 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.

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.

Is it OK to buy 2 year old tires?

Old “New” Rubber

The tread is good, and the manufacture stickers may still be on it. When tires reach a certain age the rubber begins to dry out and crack. That can make it unsafe for road use because it may run the risk of blowing out, falling apart, or lose traction during bad road conditions.

Is a 10 year old spare tire still good?

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.

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.

How do you read a DOT date code 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.

How do you decode a tire code?

The last four numbers give the date of production which let you know how old your tires are with the first two digits indicating the week and the latter two the year (for example, "2318" means that tire was produced in the 23rd week of 2018).

Are tires still good after 5 years?

As a result, manufacturers and mechanics warn against the use of 5-year-old unused tires. That is because, after 5 years of staying on the shelf or in the trunk of your car, tires succumb to old age. Since the tire has not been driven, it lacks grease, making the rubber dry or brittle, with pieces flaking off.

Do tires go bad in storage?

When properly stored in a climate controlled warehouse, tires have an almost unlimited shelf life, and once they're on the road, proper care can add many years to a tire's life. "In general, we see six years of service with no more than 10 years of total life since manufacture."

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 15 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.

Are 12 year old tires safe?

But 12-year-old tires would exceed all age limits in the world of rubber radials. Most tiremakers say tires should be inspected after six years and replaced after 10, and several automakers recommend replacing tires after six years of use.

How often do tires get discontinued?

Mileage. The general rule of thumb is that tires can last anywhere between 25,000 to 50,000 miles before they need to be replaced. You will want to refer to the owner's manual for specific recommendations that come with your car. It is better to be safe and sorry when it comes to tire replacement.

Why are 2021 tires expensive?

“Tire prices have risen approximately 5% in 2021, mainly due to raw material and manufacturing cost increases, along with disposal and transportation costs,” said Jewell. As a wear item, the high mileages driven by fleet vehicles makes this a significant ongoing cost to operating a fleet.

Should all 4 tires be the same brand?

For optimal safety and performance, Continental recommends fitting the same tires to every wheel position on your car, so drivers should have the same brand, size, tread pattern, load index, and speed rating on the front and rear tires.

Why do new car tires wear out so fast?

New tires or factory tires wear out quickly because car manufacturers use soft rubber for their tires. This soft rubber wears out much faster than aftermarket tires.

Can you drive on tires older than 10 years?

Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use. In addition, a number of tire manufacturers cite 10 years as the maximum service life for tires.

Should 8 year old tires be replaced?

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.