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.

Do all tires have a date code?

The full DOT code (including the date code portion) is displayed on at least one sidewall of every tire. The opposite sidewall – will have either a full DOT code (including date) or a partial DOT code (without the date code and any optional characters) at the manufacturers' discretion.

How do you tell the manufacture date of a tire?

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 many years do tires expire?

It may be tentative, but tires do have an expiration date. 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 should tires be when you buy them?

Many automakers, including Ford, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, tell owners to replace tires six years after their production date, regardless of tread life. Tire manufacturers such as Continental and Michelin say a tire can last up to 10 years provided you get annual tire inspections after the fifth year.

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

What year did they start putting dates on tires?

Luckily, decoding a tire and determining the tire's age is a pretty straightforward process, as a standardized 10-digit Tire Identification Number (often called a DOT number) was mandated by the United States Department of Transportation in 1971.

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.

Do tires get old 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 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 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.

Can you use 20 year old tires?

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 8 year old tires still good?

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.

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.

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 garage?

A basement is a common choice, but keep tires away from furnaces, water tanks, sump pumps and other ozone producers. Avoid storing tires in a garage if you can help it. Sunlight and weather exposure can damage tires over a long period of time.

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.

How long can unused tires sit?

In general, tires can sit unused for 6-10 years. Though, after the six-year mark, an annual inspection will be necessary.

How long should factory tires last?

Your tires should last 50,000 to 60,000 miles on average. But that really depends on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers build their tires to last up to 80,000 miles, while some design their tires to last as little as 30,000 miles. You can see how many miles to expect out of a tire by checking its treadwear rating.

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.