How to Find the Date Your Tires Were Manufactured

How to Find the Date Your Tires Were Manufactured

When it's time for a new set of tires, one of the first things you'll want to do is find out how old they are. After all, you don't want to put unsafe tires on your car! In this blog post, we will show you how to find the date your tires were manufactured. This is a valuable piece of information that can help you keep your family safe on the road. Stay tuned for our step-by-step guide on how to do this!

How To Find Tire Manufacture Date

There are a few different ways that you can find the manufacture date of your tires. One way is to look at the DOT code, or tire identification number, which is a series of numbers and letters that is stamped on every tire. The last four digits of this code represent the week and year the tires were manufactured. For example, if the tire dot code ends in 1219, this means that the tire was manufactured in the 12th week of 2019.

Another way to find out when your tires were made is to contact the tire manufacturer directly. Many companies have toll-free customer service numbers that you can call for assistance. Once you have reached a representative, they should be able to tell you when your specific tires were manufactured.

Where is The Tire Identification Number?

You can find your tire identification number, or tire dot code, on the sidewall of your tire. The code is made up of a series of numbers and letters, and it should look something like this:

DOT XXYYZZC MMM

Partial or Full Tire DOT Code

It's also possible to have a partial tire identification number. Partial tire dot numbers reduce the risk of injury to the mold technician that installs the code on the hot tire mold. In this case, you would just have the last four digits of the code, but if you have the entire tire identification number on your tire's sidewall there is a lot of other important information included.

For example, the final letter in the code stands for plant code, which indicates where your tire was manufactured. There is also other information on the tire sidewall such as the tire size, load index, and speed rating. Once you find the tire identification number, you can find this other information on the opposite sidewall of the tire.

Deciphering The Tire Date Code

For tires produced since the year 2000, only the final four digits matter. Today's tires are stamped with a Tire Identification Number (TIN) consisting of the week and year of manufacture, as well as the plant code.

If you are looking at tires produced before 2000, the first two numbers (XX) represent the week of the year that the tire was manufactured, while the second two numbers (YY) represent the year. The next three letters (ZZC) are plant codes that identify where the tire was made. The last three letters (MMM) are usually just random codes that don't mean anything.

Why is Tire Age Important

Tires manufactured more than six years ago may suffer from accelerated tread wear and an increased risk of failure. As tires age, the rubber compounds begin to break down, making them more susceptible to damage. UV rays, extreme temperatures, and ozone exposure can all contribute to tire deterioration.

To ensure your safety on the road, it is important to regularly check your tires for signs of wear and tear. If you notice any cracks or bald spots, have your tires inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on the dot code when shopping for new tires so you can choose the freshest options available.

With a little bit of care and attention, you can help extend the life of your tires and keep yourself safe while driving!

Spare Tires Should Be Checked Too!

Degradation of a tire manufactured long ago will be more severe than a tire made recently.

For that reason, it is important to check the date of manufacture on your spare tire as well. If you can't find the date code on your spare, it's probably best to err on the side of caution and replace it.

Better Safe Than Sorry!

If you store summer tires or winter tires until next season, make sure to check their date codes as well! Degradation of tires can happen regardless of tread depth or the tire type.

At the end of the day, safety should be your number one priority when it comes to your tires. By taking the time to check their condition and your tire's age, you can help avoid potential problems down the road. So don't wait - get out there and start checking those tires!

Does The Tire Date Code Affect My Tire Warranty

Your tire warranty should begin on the date of purchase, not the date the tire was manufactured, but unless you register and activate your warranty with the manufacturer, you may have a difficult time getting them to honor it. It is best to keep your purchase receipt and any other paperwork in a safe place. If you have any questions or concerns about your tires, be sure to contact the manufacturer directly.

The main purpose of the date code is to ensure that retailers don't sell old inventory, which can be dangerous. So while the date code on your tires may not affect your tire warranty, it's still important information to know.

What If I Receive Tires Manufactured From Six or More Years Ago?

If you receive tires manufactured six or more years ago, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends replacing them as soon as possible. Aged tires degrade over time, even if they’re not being used, and older tires are more likely to fail suddenly.

Tire retailers should know about tire aging, and how dangerous old tires can be, so if you are sold a tire that’s six or more years old, you should return it and ask for a new one at no additional charge.

Buy New Tires at Pay Later Tires

If you need help with the tire dot number or finding the manufacturing date on your existing tires, simply email one of our tire experts a picture of your tire sidewall and we'll be able to tell you what all those characters represent and if you need to buy tires to replace them.

We have the most tires and wheels of any online retailer and can usually get you the best price, too.

We also offer rent-to-own and tire financing options so you can buy new tires now and pay later with low monthly payments.

Get started by finding the right tires for your vehicle!