Tyres are one of the primary components of your vehicle. Tyres in their proper state are necessary to ensure the driver's safety. Other than safety, factors such as fuel economy also depend on the tyre's condition. 

Therefore, you must regularly check the tyre's condition, check the manufacturing date, and replace it whenever necessary to ensure your safety and your vehicle's optimum performance. 

Learn how to check tyre manufacturing dates and more in this quick guide.

Checking the manufacturing date of a tyre is crucial for ensuring safety and determining its overall condition. The age of a tyre plays a significant role in its performance, as rubber compounds deteriorate over time, leading to decreased grip and increased risk of failure. 

Here are the four steps to help you check the manufacturing date of a tyre:

1. Locate the DOT Code

Look for a series of characters imprinted on the sidewall of the tyre. The Department of Transportation (DOT) code combines alphanumeric characters, including the manufacturing date.

2. Identify the Last Four Digits

The last four digits of the DOT code represent the manufacturing date of the tyre. The first two digits indicate the week, and the last two digits represent the year. For instance, if the code ends with "2418," the tyre was manufactured in the 24th week of 2018.

3. Decode the Manufacturing Date

You need to understand the tyre age code to calculate the precise manufacturing date. The first two digits of the year are used instead of the full year. For example, "18" represents 2018, "19" represents 2019, and so on. Combine this information with the week number to determine the exact manufacturing date.

4. Interpret the Results

Once you have deciphered the manufacturing date, evaluate the tyre's age. Tyres typically have a lifespan of six to ten years, depending on various factors such as usage, storage conditions, and maintenance. If the tyre is older than six years, it's important to inspect it more carefully for signs of deterioration.

Apart from ageing, many factors can make your car tyre's condition deteriorate even before six years. However, you can follow the given tips to maintain your car tyres: 

• Check the tyre pressure regularly. This is the most important thing you can do to maintain your tyres. The correct tyre pressure is listed in your car's owner's manual. Check the pressure at least once a month and more often if you drive in too hot or cold weather.

• Rotate your tyres every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. This will help to evenly wear the tyres and prevent them from wearing out prematurely.

• Inspect your tyres for signs of wear and damage. Look for cracks, bulges, or any other signs of damage. If you see any damage, get the tyre inspected by a qualified mechanic.

• Avoid driving on underinflated tyres. This can cause the tyres to overheat and can lead to a blowout.

• Avoid driving on damaged or worn tyres. This can be dangerous and lead to losing control of your car.

• Store your tyres properly. If you store your tyres for an extended period, store them in a cool, dry place.

• Check the tread depth periodically using a tread depth gauge or the penny test. If the tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch, it's time to replace your tyres.

• Avoid driving too fast or heavy braking. This will put more stress on your tyres and can shorten their lifespan.

• Avoid driving in extreme weather conditions. Hot weather can cause the tyres to expand, and cold weather can cause them to contract. This can lead to premature wear. You can use season-specific tyres such as summer and winter tyres for optimum performance. 

• Have your tyres balanced and aligned regularly. This will help ensure that your tyres are wearing evenly and your car is handling properly.

• Avoid overloading as it puts excessive strain on the tyres, leading to premature wear and increased chances of a blowout. Be mindful of the recommended weight limits specified by the vehicle manufacturer. 

By following these tips, you can help to keep your car tyres in good condition and extend their lifespan. This will save you money on replacement tyres and help to keep you safe on the road.

Changing tyres is of utmost importance for several reasons. Check out some of the following reasons to find out when and why you should consider changing tyres:

Road Safety

Tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road surface, and their condition significantly affects traction, handling, and braking. Worn-out or damaged tyres can compromise vehicle control, increasing the risk of accidents. 

By regularly changing tyres, drivers can maintain optimal grip and manoeuvrability, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Fuel Efficiency

Over time, tyres experience wear and tear, leading to decreased rolling resistance and increased fuel consumption. By replacing worn tyres with new ones, drivers can minimise rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency, ultimately saving money on fuel expenses.

Longevity of Wheels

Regularly rotating and replacing tyres helps distribute the tyre wear more evenly across all four wheels, extending their lifespan. This improves the performance and longevity of individual tyres and reduces the chances of unexpected failures on the road.    

Environmental Sustainability

Worn-out tyres produce more greenhouse gas emissions due to increased rolling resistance, impacting the overall carbon footprint of vehicles. By changing to new, eco-friendly tyres and maintaining proper inflation, drivers can reduce emissions, supporting a greener environment.

By prioritising regular tyre maintenance and replacement, you can ensure a smooth and safe driving experience while minimising environmental impact.

You can consider the following factors to decide when to change your car tyres:

Age

Even if there is sufficient tread, tyres can become unsafe due to age. The rubber becomes brittle and develops cracks, which can result in it bursting. Replacing tyres every six years, regardless of the mileage, is recommended as a general rule of thumb.

Tread Depth

Besides performing a tyre manufacturing date check, you should consider its tread depth. The tread is the part of the tyre that comes into contact with the road, and it helps to provide traction and prevent aquaplaning. 

India's legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. However, replacing your tyres on tread depth reaching 2mm is ideal to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Damage

If your tyres are damaged, such as cuts, cracks, or bulges, they should be replaced immediately. Damaged tyres can be dangerous, and they can also lead to other problems with your car.

Car Manual Instructions

Your car's manual will typically have a section on tyre maintenance, including recommendations on how often to replace your tyres.

While performing a tyre manufacturing date check, remember that this date is just one aspect to consider when assessing tyre condition. You should also consider factors like tread depth, overall wear, and visible damage. 

Now that you know how to check the tyre manufacturing date, you should be able to take better care of your vehicle. If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres or need expert advice, consult a professional tyre service or mechanic. Regularly checking and replacing tyres when necessary contributes to safer driving and better vehicle performance.