How old can a DOT tire be?

How old can a DOT tire 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.

What does the DOT number on a tire mean?

Tire Identification Number
The Tire Identification Number (aka the tire’s serial number) gives you all the information you need. The “DOT” symbol certifies the tire manufacturer’s compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tire safety standards.

How do I tell the age of my tires?

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.

Are 8 year old tires safe?

Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth. While there’s no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. The older a tire gets, the higher the risk of sudden and unexpected tread separation.

Should 10 year old tires be replaced?

It may be tentative, but tires do have an expiration date. There is a general consensus that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.

How do you decode a dot number on a tire?

The first two digits of the DOT code indicate the production week of the year (from 1 to 52). The third and fourth digits of the DOT code indicate the year of manufacture. If your DOT code is a 3-digit number, it means your tire was produced before 2000.

Are 7 year old tires safe?

Are 10 year old tires still good?

Can I use 6 year old tires?

There is a general consensus that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.

Are tires really garbage after 6 years?

Per BRMA, unused tires over six years old should never be put in service, and all tires should be replaced after 10 years from their date of manufacture. JATMA recommends inspection after five years and replacement after 10, regardless of treadwear and overall condition.

Can tires last 20 years?

Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth. While there’s no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. Old tires have been the culprit in fatal accidents.

Do tires go bad after 5 years?

If not used, tires last for 6-10 years, depending on the storage and environmental conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and official manufacturers suggest a tire is only 100% safe to use until it turns 5-6 years old.

How to check date on tires?

1) On the side of your tire, near the inner ring, you should be able to find a string of letters and numbers that begins with DOT. 2) Follow the string to the end until you get to a series of four numbers. 3) Those four numbers represent a “date code” – but it’s not as easy as you think. 4) The first two numbers represent the week the tire was made, and the last two indicate the year.

What is the dot number on a tire?

The DOT number is typically found on only one side of the tire and therefore, depending on how the tires are mounted, the number could be facing inward or outward. You will need to record the DOT numbers for all of your tires for use when completing the tire registration process.

How to read tire codes?

– Tire Class. The tire class is indicated at the beginning of the tire code. Typically, you’ll see the letters P, LT, or ST, or no letters at all. – Tire Width. The three-digit number following the tire class is the tire width. The width is the distance of the tire from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters. – Aspect Ratio. The next number, which comes after the forward slash, is the tire’s aspect ratio. – Construction Type. The set of letters after the aspect ratio indicates the tire’s construction. For a P185/75 R17 82S tire, the “R” means the tire has a radial construction. – Wheel Diameter. The next set of numbers is the wheel diameter, or the distance from one end of the wheel to the other. – Load Index. The last section of numbers refers to the tire’s load index, which is how much weight the tire can handle if inflated properly. – Speed Rating. The last letter of the tire code is the tire’s speed rating, which is the max speed the tires are rated for in ideal conditions. – Treadwear, Traction, & Temperature. Along with the tire code, every tire lists the ratings for treadwear, traction, and temperature. – Tire Compounds. Tire compounds are usually made of a combination of natural and synthetic rubbers. – Tire Tread Patterns. Another thing you want to consider when choosing your next set of tires is the tread pattern.

Where is the serial number on a car tire?

The serial number for your car’s tire is located on the sidewall of the tire; however, one side may have only a partial serial number on it, so you need to take the tire off to be sure your have the whole number. Examine the sidewall of your car tire.