How to Tell How Old Your Tires Are (DOT Date Code)

Tires can look fine and still be too old. Every tire has its birthday printed right on the side. Here's how to find it, and read it, in under a minute.

1. Step 1: Find The Dot Code

Look on the sidewall for the letters DOT, followed by a string of letters and numbers. If the code looks short, check the other side of the tire. The full code may only be on one side.

2. Step 2: Read The Last Four Digits

The last four digits are the date it was made. The first two are the week, and the last two are the year. So three five two zero means the thirty fifth week of twenty twenty.

3. How Old Is Too Old?

Michelin says that after five years of use, tires should be inspected by a tire professional at least once a year. And replace them ten years after the date they were made, no matter how much tread is left. Your car's owner's manual may say sooner.

4. Don'T Forget The Spare

That includes the spare. It ages on the same clock, even if it's never been used.

5. Replace Sooner If

And at any age, cracks, cuts, bulges, or blisters on the sidewall can mean damage inside. Sidewall damage can't be repaired, so get it checked right away.