Determining the age of a tire involves locating and deciphering the Tire Identification Number (TIN), also known as the DOT code, molded into the tire’s sidewall. This code provides information about the tire’s manufacturer, plant of origin, size, and, most importantly, its date of manufacture. For tires manufactured after 2000, the last four digits of the DOT code indicate the week and year of production. For instance, a DOT code ending in “3023” signifies that the tire was produced in the 30th week of 2023.
Understanding a tire’s age is crucial for safety and performance. Rubber compounds degrade over time, even if the tire hasn’t seen much use. Aged tires can experience decreased grip, increased susceptibility to cracking, and a higher risk of failure. Many tire manufacturers and automotive experts recommend replacing tires after a certain number of years, regardless of tread depth, to mitigate these risks. Historically, awareness of tire aging has grown due to incidents involving premature tire failure, leading to stricter regulations and consumer education initiatives.
