How to Check Tyre Year
Understanding the condition of the tires you own is essential for many reasons. The tires degrade with time, even though they've got ample tread. If you don’t know how to check tyre year, look for the DOT number on the tire sidewall:
- The DOT number is a 4-digit number.
- The first two digits represent the week of production.
- The last two digits represent the year of production.
Example:
- DOT code: 2523
- Week of production: 25
- Year of production: 2023
Why Tyre Year Matters?
Tires are made of various compounds that may become degraded over time, especially when exposed to external factors like UV rays or moisture. As tires age, the rubber may become dry and crack, weakening their structure and performance. The deterioration could lead to:
- less road handling,
- a longer distance to braking,
- and possibly the risk of tire loss.
It is, therefore, essential to check the condition of your tires so that you can make sure you are safe while driving.
Determining Tyre Age
To find out the time of your tire's life, you need to locate that DOT label on the wall. The DOT code, which is also referred to in the form of a Tire Identification Number(TIN), is important information regarding the tire's dimensions, the load capacity, and most importantly, the manufacturing date.
Reading the DOT Code
This code can be normally found on the sidewall. It is composed of a sequence of letters and numbers that provide specific information regarding the tire. To determine the date of manufacture, you need to seek out a 4-digit number in that DOT number.
Tyres Manufactured After 2000
The last four numbers of the DOT code represent the date of manufacture in tires manufactured after 2000. The first two numbers represent the week of manufacturing, and the other two numbers represent the year. For instance, If you have the number "2314," it means that the tire was made in the 23rd week of 2014.
Tyres Manufactured before 2000
In this case, the last three digits in the DOT code are the manufacturing date. The first two numbers represent the week of manufacturing, and the last digit indicates the year in the decade. To differentiate these tires from earlier decades, a triangle symbol is usually depicted.
Signs of Tire Ageing
Check your tire today by checking the signs mentioned below:
- Cracks in the sidewalls: These cracks could be due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and oxygen. They can begin small but then become bigger in time.
- Sidewall bulges: The bulges in the sidewall can be caused by a variety of causes, such as hitting a curb or pothole or manufacturing defect. The bulges can cause the tire to weaken and increase the risk of breaking.
- Uneven tread wear: This can be the result of many reasons, such as underinflation or misaligned wheels. It could also be due to damage to suspension elements. Inconsistent tread wear can decrease the traction of your vehicle and increase the chance of hydroplaning.
- Tread wear indicators: These are tiny pieces made of rubber that are made to the treads of tires. If the tread wears to the level of wear indicators on the tread, the time has come to change the tire.
- Age: The age of tires is made to last for a specific amount of time regardless of whether they are not being used. It is advised to replace tires older than 6-10 years, regardless of the tread depth.
If you spot any of these warning signs in your tire, it's essential to have them checked by a certified tire expert. They will be able to advise the tires require to be replaced.
Importance of Timely Tyre Replacement
The importance of replacing tires cannot be overstated. Tires are the primary connection between your vehicle and the road. They are essential to safety as well as performance and efficiency.
Safety
Tires that are worn out have less tread depth, which decreases grip and traction. This could make it difficult to stop, accelerate, and turn with safety, especially in icy or rainy conditions.
Performance
The worn-out tires have a higher rolling resistance, which means they require much more power to spin and reduce car performance.
Fuel efficiency
The wear and tear of tires can lower the efficiency of your vehicle by as much as 5 percent. This is due to more resistance to rolling.
Why PitStopArabia?
PitStopArabia is the leading online tire shop in the UAE. We offer a wide selection of tires from all the leading brands, like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Dunlop, at competitive prices. We also have experienced technicians who will fit your new tires for you quickly and efficiently at a time and location that suits you.
FAQ’s
Why is it important to know the age of my tires?
The reason for this is that the rubber compound used in tires breaks down due to heat, sunlight,, and oxygen. Tires older than 10 years are much more likely to suffer blowouts, even if they have a sufficient tread depth.
How do I check the tire year?
To verify the year of the tire, you need to look for the DOT number in the sidewall. This is a 4-digit number which indicates the week and the year that the tire was produced. The first two numbers represent the week, and the final two numbers indicate the year.
What does it mean if my tire is more than 10 years old?
If your tire is older than 10 years, It is recommended to replace it, regardless of the tread depth. This is because tires degrade with time and are more likely to suffer from an air blowout.
Where do I locate a DOT number on my tire?
The DOT number is typically located close to the bead of tyres, in the sidewall. It's a four-digit number that is elevated over the rest of the sidewall.
