UNDERSTAND THE TYRE MANUFACTURING DATE

Knowing the manufacturing date of your car tyres is a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to ensuring your vehicle’s safety and performance. Here are the key factors to ensure your tyres deliver maximum performance and safety, including how to read DOT codes, and what they mean.

Over time, the materials in tyres can degrade, leading to decreased performance and increased safety risks. Reading the markings in the sidewall of your tyre tells you when they were made, and can also tell you if they are too old to use safely. 

Here’s how to locate and read a tyre manufacturing date:

Find the tyre’s DOT code

A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) code is a series of numbers and letters printed on the tyre’s sidewall near the rim. It contains information such as manufacturer code, plant code, tyre size, and also the tyre manufacturing date. A partial DOT serial number will appear on the opposite side of the tyre.

The tyre manufacturing date can be found in the last four digits of this tyre code. The first two numbers designate the week and the last two numbers are the year of production (WWYY). In the example below, the code is 4714, meaning that the tyre was manufactured in the 47th week of the year 2014.

How long a tyre lasts depends on the day it is fully inflated and installed on a car, not necessarily on the date it was manufactured.
 

Tyres experience the most stress when they are used on the road while dealing with factors such as tyre pressure, high speeds, heavy braking and accelerating, rough terrain, temperature, and weather changes. Hence, a tire manufactured three years ago being kept properly in the storeroom is considered new.

The maximum lifespan of a tyre is 10 years of usage. Michelin does not recommend using tyres that exceed this threshold, regardless of the mileage on your car. 

Our general recommendation is to replace your car tyres after five years or have them checked by an expert at least once every year, as this is the average lifespan of optimal performance.

Many drivers also consider the option of buying them second-hand to save money. However, the safety and performance of second-hand tyres can be a major concern.

Risks of buying second-hand tyres

1. Unknown history

The biggest concern with second-hand tyres is the lack of information about their history. You won’t know how they were used, stored, or maintained by the previous owner.

2. Age and degradation

Even if the tread looks good, the rubber in older tyres will degrade over time. Tyres more than 10 years old are generally not recommended for use.

3. Hidden damage

Second-hand tyres might have internal damage that isn’t visible during a casual inspection. This can include issues like sidewall damage, punctures that were improperly repaired, or structural weaknesses.

4. Uneven wear

Tyres that have been used before may have uneven wear patterns, which can affect handling, traction, and overall safety. This can lead to poor vehicle performance and an increased risk of accidents.

Here are few things to check when installing new tyres to ensure a safer, better driving experience:

• The tyre date of manufacture is within the past five years

• The tyre pressure is optimal for your tyres

• The tyres are properly aligned

• There is no damage or deterioration to the tyre from improper storing

At Michelin, the warranty of our tyres sold within three years of the manufacturing date shall be for the life of the original usable tread pattern or six years from the date of purchase, whichever comes first. Our logistics process and authorized dealers ensure that the tires are kept in the best possible condition, giving you more time to enjoy the ride.

All our tyres are high performance and designed to last, providing you with a pleasant driving experience without compromising your safety.