How Do You Tell What Year A Tire Was Made
When it comes to knowing the year and month you tire was made, it can be really difficult for most. But the reverse is the case. Tires come with Tire Identification Number that are like batch codes, this is what is used to identify the week and year your tire was produced.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that Tire Identification Numbers (TIN) be a combination of the letters DOT, followed by eight to thirteen characters that identify the manufacturing location, tire size and manufacturer’s code. It also includes the week and year the tire was manufactured.
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How to Identify Your Tire Manufacture Year
If you check the sidewall of your tire, you’ll find a set of codes followed by the letter DOT. These codes put together will amount to about 13 characters. These characters contain all the information you need to identify your tire and the manufacturer’s date.
If your tire contains 8 to 12 characters TIN, here is how to read it.
The first two characters represent the assigned plant code for the manufacturer.
The next one to two characters is the tire size code.
The next grouped character will not be more than four characters. They are designated by the manufacturer with their internal codes for the specific construction of that tire. Since these characters are distinctive to each manufacturer, the TIN can be any length up to a maximum of twelve characters.
The final four digits, for any tire made since the year 2000, are the tire date code and represent the date of manufacture. The first two digits represent the week the tires were made, and the last two digits are the year of manufacture. For instance, if you find 2022, it means your tire was made on the 20th week of 2022.
If you find 13 character TIN, the first grouping consists of three characters which denotes the plant code. Recent government may be changing the code from two to three characters. The additional digit is what wi make the DOT code a total of 13 characters.
The second grouping consists of six characters which signifies the tire size, tire type, or other significant characteristics of the tire. Note that these characters are not manufacturer optional.
The last four numbers represent the manufacturer’s date. The first two numbers indicate the week, while the last two indicate the year. Similar to the 8 to 12 character TIN.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How do you decode a tire code?
Every tire comes with a Department of Transportation (DOT) number after the letter on the sidewall. The last four digit denotes the week and year the tire was made. So if you find 2321, it means that the tire was made on the 23rd of week of 2021.
How do you decode tire numbers?
The two-digit number after the slash mark in a tire size is the aspect ratio. For example, in a size P215/65 R15 tire, the 65 means that the height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the tire’s sidewall will be.
How do you read a tire letter?
When you check the tire, you will find a set of numbers followed by letters. Usually, the first set of two to three numbers are the load index followed by a letter showing the speed rating.
What does the letter W mean on tires?
A tire with W written on it means that the tire can achieve a maximum sustained speed of 168 mph (270 kph).
What does E or F mean on tires?
The difference between a load range E and load range F tire of the same size is the weight capacity and pressure. E tires like the Karrier Radial Tire, Load Range have a capacity of 3,640 pounds at 95 psi. Meanwhile, the Load Range F Tire, # AM10501, has a capacity of 3,960 pounds at 95 psi.
Why is the DOT Code Important?
The DOT code is important for many reasons but is most importantly used to register your tire with the manufacturer. Registering your tires provides the tire manufacturer with your name and address to contact you in case of a recall.
Wrap Up!
Now you know how to read your tire date codes and other details of your tire. To locate all the details, simply check the sidewalls of your tires and read this article again if you’re still confused.
