How to Check Tire Year
Tire safety is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance, and one important factor to consider is the age of your tires. Knowing the tire year can help you determine if your tires are still in good condition or if they need to be replaced. In this article, we will guide you on how to check the tire year and provide some tips on maintaining tire safety.
Understanding Tire Age
Tires have a limited lifespan, and their performance can decline over time, even if they have not been used extensively. The age of a tire is determined by the date of manufacture, which is usually printed on the tire’s sidewall. It is essential to know the tire year because tires can become brittle and lose their integrity as they age, increasing the risk of a blowout or other tire-related issues.
Locating the Tire Year
To check the tire year, first, locate the sidewall of the tire. The tire year code is typically found near the tire’s serial number, which is a sequence of letters and numbers. The tire year code is usually a combination of four letters and numbers, such as “DOT 1234 ABCD.”
Interpreting the Tire Year Code
The first two letters of the tire year code represent the week of the year when the tire was manufactured. The next two letters represent the year of manufacture. For example, if the code is “DOT 26AB 2018,” the tire was manufactured in the 26th week of 2018.
Calculating the Tire Year
To determine the tire year, you can use the following formula:
1. Convert the first two letters of the tire year code to numbers (e.g., “AB” becomes 26).
2. Add the number from step 1 to 1 (e.g., 26 + 1 = 27).
3. Divide the result from step 2 by 52 (the number of weeks in a year).
4. Add the quotient from step 3 to the year represented by the last two letters of the tire year code (e.g., 27 / 52 = 0.5238, 0.5238 + 2018 = 2018.5238).
The result from step 4 will give you the approximate year of tire manufacture.
Checking Tire Age Regularly
It is essential to check the tire year regularly, especially if you are not sure when your tires were installed. Most experts recommend replacing tires that are more than six years old, regardless of their tread depth. This is because the rubber in older tires can become brittle and less flexible, leading to potential safety hazards.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check the tire year is an essential part of maintaining tire safety. By understanding the age of your tires, you can make informed decisions about their replacement and ensure that your vehicle remains safe on the road. Regularly inspect your tires and follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle in top condition.
