Tire age and date codes

[austinsailor]

The question of tire age and how to read date codes comes up here often. I've posted an article on my website that tells how to read them and some other information of interest. It's a poor copy, but readable. It's all I have. If you want to sign up for one of those news services you can get yourself a new copy. It wasn't worth it to me.

Look here for my copy:

http://austinsailor.net/tires/tires.html

Gene G.

[PatS....]

Here's a copy that's a bit clearer. Good info to know but in my time I have driven on tires older than 10 yrs and had no trouble.

How to tell if a tire is old and tired

By Brad Bergholdt

San Jose Mercury News

Several readers responded to my column on tire numbers and asked how to read a tire's date of manufacture.

With modern tires' long tread life, it's possible to encounter tires that are beyond the six- to 10-year life span that's now recommended by several manufacturers, regardless of tread wear.

RVs, boat trailers and classic cars are driven infrequently and often fall into this category. One may even find a new tire that's actually several years old, still on the shelf.

Research indicates the likelihood of tire failure increases considerably after about six years of age. While sunlight, ozone and heat accelerate aging, even spare tires and those in storage can be affected. Sidewall cracks are one sign, but sometimes aging can be difficult to observe.

Here's how to read when a tire was made: Look for the tire identification code on the sidewall, containing 10 to 12 digits. It's usually found close to the wheel and is preceded by the abbreviation DOT. The code lists the manufacturing location, tire size, manufacturer's code and the week and year the tire was manufactured. You may need to check both sides of the tire as the full DOT code may only be on one side.

Tires made since 2000 use the final four digits to indicate the week and year it was built. For example, 1505 means the 15th week of 2005.

Earlier tires have one less digit, omitting the decade. 155 indicates the 15th week of either 1985 or 1995 an oldie for sure.

By the way, the most important thing you can do to enhance safety and fuel economy is to regularly check and maintain correct tire pressure. Low tire pressure wastes fuel, causes tire overheating leading to failure, and reduces wet weather traction. Tires should be checked when cold. Use the recommended pressure listed on a sticker on the driver's-side door or door pillar.