How do you read old tire date codes?

How do you read old tire date codes?

The first two digits of the date code tell you the week that the tires were built, and the last digit tells you the year. For example, a date code such as 306 would let you know that the tire was built in the 30th week of a year ending in 6.

How do you read a tire code?

1. 3-digit number: The “nominal section width” of the tire in millimeters; the widest point from both outer edges (side wall to side wall).
2. /: Slash character for character separation.
3. 2- or 3-digit number: The “aspect ratio” of the sidewall height as a percentage of the nominal section width of the tire.

What do the DOT numbers on tires mean?

Tires made in the United States have the DOT serial number located on the inside sidewall near the rim. The letters “DOT” are followed by eight to thirteen letters and/or numbers that identify where the tire was manufactured, tire size and the manufacturer’s code, along with the week and year the tire was manufactured.

Where is the plant code on a tire?

Every tire sold in the United States has a DOT code stamped on the side. A complete tire DOT code will begin with the letters DOT and is followed by 10-12 letters and numbers. Some tires have a partial DOT code on one side and a full DOT code on the opposite side. A complete DOT code will always end in four numbers.

How do you find the date a tire was made?

Remember that the last four digits of the code are the date the tire was manufactured. You can check the first two digits of the DOT code to know the week of the manufacturing. The last two digits will reveal the manufacturing year. For instance, when it was written in 0203, the manufacturing year was 2003.

How many years does a tire expire?

The US NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) says 6 years.

What does SL mean on a tire?

standard load tire
A classification of SL means it’s a standard load tire. Most passenger tires are standard load, but standard load tires can also be used on some lighter trucks and SUVs.

How old should new tires be when you buy them?

How Old Should New Tires Be When You Buy Them? A tire shouldn’t be older than 18-months when you purchase it. Most tires are under a year old when the tire shop gets them. That’s important because the rubber starts to breakdown as soon as they roll off the manufacturer’s assembly line.

How do I tell how old a tire is?

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 old can DOT tires be?

Some tire manufacturers cite 6 years, others recommend 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. tire identification number (TIN). The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture. Some older tires may have the TIN on the inside sidewall.

How do I tell when my tires were manufactured?