Tire Date Code Lookup: How to Check Tire Manufacturing Date

Knowing when your tire was manufactured is crucial for safety. This guide shows you exactly how to lookup tire date codes and why it matters.

⏰ Quick Answer:

The tire date code is the last 4 digits of the DOT code. For example, "4523" means the tire was manufactured in week 45 of 2023.

Why Tire Date Code Matters

Tire age affects safety regardless of tread depth. Rubber compounds degrade over time, even if the tire appears to have plenty of tread remaining. Knowing the manufacturing date helps you:

🛡️

Ensure Safety

Old tires can fail even with good tread. Most experts recommend replacing tires older than 6-10 years.

💰

Make Informed Purchases

When buying new or used tires, check the date code to avoid old stock or prematurely aged tires.

📋

Track Replacement Schedule

Plan tire replacements based on both age and mileage, not just tread depth.

⚖️

Legal Requirements

Some regions have regulations about tire age for commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

How to Read Tire Date Code

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Locate the DOT Code: Find the DOT code on your tire sidewall. It starts with "DOT" followed by letters and numbers.
  2. Find the Last 4 Digits: The last 4 digits represent the manufacturing date code.
  3. Decode the Format: Format is WWYY where:
    • First 2 digits = Week number (01-52)
    • Last 2 digits = Year (last 2 digits of the year)
  4. Calculate the Date: Convert week number to approximate month.
4523

Example Code

Week 45

First 2 digits

Year 2023

Last 2 digits

Tire Date Code Examples

4523Recent

Meaning: Manufactured in week 45 of 2023 (approximately November 2023)

0821Older

Meaning: Manufactured in week 8 of 2021 (approximately February 2021)

453⚠️ Very Old

Meaning: 3-digit code indicates pre-2000 manufacturing. This tire is over 20 years old and should be replaced immediately.

When to Replace Tires Based on Age

✓

0-6 Years

Generally safe if tread depth is adequate

!

6-10 Years

Consider replacement; inspect regularly for cracks

✗

10+ Years

Replace immediately regardless of tread depth

Common Questions About Tire Date Codes

How accurate is the tire date code?

The date code indicates the week of manufacture, so it's accurate to within about 1-2 weeks. The actual production date could be any day within that week.

Do spare tires need date code checks too?

Yes! Spare tires age just like regular tires, even when not in use. Check your spare tire's date code regularly, especially if it's an older vehicle.

What if I can't find the date code?

If the DOT code is worn or missing, the tire may be very old or non-compliant. Consider replacing it, especially if you can't determine its age. All legally manufactured tires should have a visible DOT code.

Lookup Your Tire Date Code Instantly

Use our free tire date code lookup tool to instantly find when your tire was manufactured and whether it needs replacement.

Lookup Tire Date Code Now →