Ever wonder how old your tires really are? Those strange numbers on the sidewall of your tire tell a story. In this guide, you’ll learn how to read tire date codes, check your tire’s age, and understand why it’s more important than you might think.
What Is a Tire Date Code?
A tire date code is a 4-digit number stamped on every tire that tells you the week and year it was manufactured.
This code is part of the DOT number found on the sidewall. It’s issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation to track tire age and ensure safety compliance.
Here’s how it typically looks:
DOT X0XX 1019
The last four digits—1019—mean the tire was made in the 10th week of 2019.
Where to Find the Tire Date Code
The date code is located on the outer sidewall of the tire, often following the letters “DOT.” You may need to crouch down and look closely, as it’s usually in small, molded text.
If you can’t find it on one side, check the inside sidewall. Manufacturers sometimes print it on only one side.
How to Read the Tire Date Code
The 4-digit tire date code shows the production week and year: the first two digits are the week, the last two are the year.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4318 | 43rd week of 2018 (October) |
| 0517 | 5th week of 2017 (early February) |
| 2115 | 21st week of 2015 (late May) |
So if your tire says DOT 7A4J 1019, that means it was made in the 10th week of 2019—roughly March of that year.
Why Tire Age Matters
Tires age even if you don’t use them much. Rubber breaks down over time, making tires less safe and more likely to fail.
Here’s why you should care about the date code:
- Old tires can crack, dry out, or lose grip.
- Tire blowouts increase with age, especially at high speeds.
- Worn tires affect fuel efficiency and braking distance.
Many manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6 to 10 years, regardless of tread depth. Even if they look fine, the materials inside could be weakening.
How to Check Tire Age Before Buying
Always check the tire date code before buying new or used tires.
Even brand-new tires in a store could be several years old if they’ve been sitting in storage. And while they may be “unused,” they’ve still been aging.
Tips Before You Buy:
- Ask the seller for the date code on each tire.
- Look for tires no older than 1–2 years.
- Avoid buying “new” tires that are over 4 years old, even at a discount.
Pro Tip: Buying a used car? Check the tire date codes as part of your inspection. It’s easy to miss, but could be a sign that replacements are needed soon.
What If My Tires Are More Than 6 Years Old?
If your tires are over 6 years old, you should consider replacing them—even if the tread looks good.
Rubber hardens and loses flexibility with age. That means reduced grip, especially in wet conditions. Plus, the risk of sidewall cracks or sudden blowouts increases significantly.
If you want to stay safe and avoid unnecessary repairs, don’t take chances on tire age.
How to Extend the Life of Your Tires
While you can’t stop time, you can slow down how quickly your tires age. Here’s how:
- Store unused tires indoors in a cool, dry place.
- Keep tires properly inflated to prevent extra wear.
- Rotate your tires every 5,000–8,000 miles.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for long periods—UV rays speed up aging.
Also, avoid harsh cleaning chemicals on your tires. Use water and mild soap to keep them clean without damaging the rubber.
What About Spare Tires?
Spare tires age just like regular tires—even if you never use them.
It’s common to find spare tires that are 8 or even 10 years old. If you ever need to use it, it may not be safe anymore.
Check the date code on your spare today. If it’s more than 6–7 years old, you may want to replace it, especially before a long trip.
Can You Still Use Old Tires?
Technically, yes—but you’re taking a safety risk with tires over 6 years old.
Here’s a simple guide:
| Age | Safe to Use? |
|---|---|
| 0–3 years | Yes, ideal age range |
| 4–5 years | Use with caution, check regularly |
| 6–10 years | Replace as soon as possible |
| Over 10 years | Do not use |
If you find a tire that’s over a decade old, even if it looks brand new, it’s not safe for regular use.
Save Money by Maintaining Your Tires—and Reconditioning Your Batteries
Keeping your tires in good shape helps avoid costly repairs, better fuel mileage, and safer driving. The same logic applies to your car battery.
Before you buy a new battery, did you know you might be able to recondition it?
The New Battery Reconditioning Course teaches you how to bring dead batteries back to life—car batteries, phone batteries, even power tool packs. It’s a great way to save money and reduce waste.
- Step-by-step videos and easy-to-follow guides
- Safe techniques for all skill levels
- Start a side hustle fixing batteries for others
Check it out here: New Battery Reconditioning Course. It’s a smart next step if you like DIY maintenance and saving money.
Conclusion: Tire Age Is No Joke—Check Yours Today
Tires may look fine on the outside, but if they’re too old, they can be a hidden danger. Learning to read the tire date code is quick, easy, and could save your life.
Always check the 4-digit code, know the production year, and make decisions based on both age and tread condition. And remember, safety always comes first—especially when it comes to what connects your car to the road.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget your battery. Save money and avoid breakdowns with the New Battery Reconditioning Course. It’s an easy way to get more life out of your gear.