Many drivers check tread depth and air pressure but never ask a simple question: how old are these tires? Rubber ages even when the car sits in a garage, so a tire with deep tread can still be unsafe.

The good news is that learning how to tell tire age takes about 30 seconds. Every tire carries a small code on the sidewall that shows exactly when it was made. This guide explains how to find it, how to read it, and when an older tire should be replaced.

Why Tire Age Matters More Than Most Drivers Think

A tire is a mix of rubber compounds, steel and fabric. Over time, heat, sunlight, ozone and oxygen slowly break the rubber down. The tire becomes harder and less flexible, and the layers inside can start to separate.

That is why tire age and tread wear are two different things. A tire can have plenty of tread and still be past its safe service life. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) links tire problems to roughly 11,000 crashes every year, which is one reason it urges drivers to check tires regularly.

What Does DOT Mean on a Tire?

DOT stands for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The letters show that the manufacturer certifies the tire meets federal safety standards. The characters after “DOT” form the Tire Identification Number (TIN), which works like a serial number.

What Information Does the TIN Contain?

• Plant code: two or three characters that identify the factory.
• Tire size code: a short code for the mold or size.
• Manufacturer’s option code: optional characters used for the brand’s own tracking.
• Date code: four digits showing the week and year the tire was made.

Only the date code matters when checking age, so the rest can be ignored.

How to Tell Tire Age: 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Find the DOT Code on the Sidewall

Look at the side of the tire for the letters “DOT” followed by a string of letters and numbers. The characters are molded into the rubber, so a flashlight helps. Wiping the sidewall with a damp cloth also makes the text easier to read.

What if the Date Code Is Missing?

Do not panic. Manufacturers often mold the full code on only one sidewall. The other side may show a shorter DOT code that stops before the date. Check the opposite sidewall. On a mounted tire, that side may face inward, so a quick look under the car or removing the wheel may be needed.

Step 2: Locate the Last Four Digits

On tires made in 2000 or later, the date code is the final four digits. It is usually inside a small oval or sits right at the end of the DOT string.

Step 3: Decode the Week and Year

• First two digits: week of the year (01 to 52).
• Last two digits: the year of manufacture.

So 2223 means the tire was made in the 22nd week of 2023, around late May. Compare that with today’s date to get the tire’s age.

How to Tell Tire Age by DOT Number

Looking up how to tell tire age by DOT number is really just a matter of knowing which format the tire uses. The format depends on when it was made.

Quick Week-to-Month Chart

Does the Method Change by Brand?

No. The DOT date code is a federal format, so the same rule applies to every tire sold in the United States. Only the position of the code and the plant letters differ.

How to Tell Tire Age on a Michelin

For how to tell tire age Michelin owners often ask about, the process is identical. Find “DOT” on the sidewall, then read the last four digits. Michelin tires, including popular lines such as the Michelin Defender, may show the full code on only one side, so check both sidewalls. Michelin advises having tires inspected at least once a year after the fifth year and has stated that 10 years is the maximum for any tire, regardless of appearance.

How to Tell Tire Age on a BFGoodrich

The same applies to how to tell tire age BFGoodrich shoppers search for. BFGoodrich is part of the Michelin Group and uses the standard DOT format. Look for the four-digit code at the end of the DOT string on the sidewall. Many BFGoodrich all-terrain tires are installed on trucks that sit for long periods, so checking age is especially useful for them.

Tire Age Guidance by Source

Always follow your vehicle owner’s manual first, then the tire maker’s guidance.

How Old Is Too Old for a Tire?

There is no federal law that sets a maximum tire age in the United States. Instead, safety groups and manufacturers offer guidelines:

• 0 to 5 years: normally fine if tread and condition are good.
• 5 to 6 years: get a professional inspection every year.
• 6 to 10 years: replacement is wise, especially for vehicles that carry heavy loads or drive at highway speeds.
• 10+ years: replace immediately, including the spare.

Do Spare Tires Expire Too?

Yes. A spare tire ages just like the four on the road, even though it never touches the pavement. Many drivers forget it until they have a flat. Check the date code on the spare at the same time as the others. If a replacement is needed, see how much a spare tire costs before shopping.

Signs of an Aging Tire Besides the Date Code

The date is a guide, not a verdict. Inspect the tire visually too. Replace it right away if any of these appear:

• Sidewall cracks: fine lines or deep splits, often called dry rot.
• Bulges or bubbles: a sign that the internal structure is damaged.
• Tread separation: the tread peeling or lifting from the body.
• Worn tread: at or below 2/32 inch (about 1.6 mm). Use the penny test: if the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, the tire is worn out.
• Vibration or uneven wear: may point to internal damage or alignment issues.
• Hardened, faded rubber: a dull gray or brown surface shows chemical breakdown.

Tire Age vs. Tread Wear

How to Make Tires Last Longer

• Keep tires inflated to the pressure on the driver’s door sticker.
• Rotate them about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
• Park in shade or a garage when possible.
• Clean them with mild soap, not petroleum-based products.
• Check the date code once a year as a habit.

How to Check Tire Age Before Buying New or Used Tires

Tires do not leave the factory fresh forever. A “new” tire can sit in a warehouse for a year or more. When shopping, ask to see the date code before you pay.

Buying New Tires

• Aim for tires made within the past 12 to 24 months.
• Ask the shop to confirm the date code on the invoice or the tire itself.
• Compare options and pricing first. This guide on how much a new tire costs can help set a budget.
• Ask about extras such as mounting and balancing costs and TPMS replacement costs.
• Review the Costco tire warranty or the warranty of any retailer you choose.

Buying Used Tires

Used tires are riskier because the history is unknown. If you consider them, insist on a tire made within the past six years, with no repairs near the sidewall and no cracking. For most drivers, new tires are the safer long-term value.

Explore More on Tire Near Me Hub

Website page links (replace or edit as needed):

• Home
• Blog
• Services
• Find Tire Shops by State
• Tire Brands
• Submit Your Business

Related article links:

• Costco Tire Warranty
• How Much Is a Spare Tire?
• Discount Tire TPMS Replacement Cost
• Michelin Defender Tire
• Tire Shops Open on Sunday
• How Much Is a New Tire?
• Mount and Balance Cost

Suggested authority sources: NHTSA • Michelin Tires • BFGoodrich Tires • Tire Industry Association

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Tell Tire Age