tire date code
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Central PA
tire date code
I bought 4 new tires for my F350 flatbed when I had a blow out on one. I got a pretty good price: $487 total! Now I looking for some good used for the front.
How do you read the date code on the tires. I don't want to buy any that are too old. What I have on now are starting to crack and weather... tread is good, but I don't know how old they are.
thanks, abe
How do you read the date code on the tires. I don't want to buy any that are too old. What I have on now are starting to crack and weather... tread is good, but I don't know how old they are.
thanks, abe
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Used tires.....I have a lawyer buddy who can tell you all kinds of stories about used tires. Most involve death and destruction.
However, if you inspect carefully and buy new enough, you might be good.
How to tell the age--it's part of the DOT code.
Tire Tech Information - Determining the Age of a Tire
2 years, maybe 3 imo.
However, if you inspect carefully and buy new enough, you might be good.
How to tell the age--it's part of the DOT code.
Tire Tech Information - Determining the Age of a Tire
2 years, maybe 3 imo.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 479
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From: Kingston, Pa. 18704
Most newer tires have DOT XXXX where the 4 digits after the DOT represent the week and year they were made.
For example: (DOT 1612) would mean the tires were made in the 16th week of 2012.
I have no problem buying used tires, but I thoroughly inspect them for cracks and dry rot and will not buy anything older than 5 years.
In good light, grab the bead area of the tire and squeeze them together. This will open up any cracks or dry rot and make them easier to see. I recently got a really good deal off of craigslist for my shop truck.
Some girl ran over something an ruined a tire. She bought two brand new ones and had them on for 3k miles before going back to get 2 more to match the front in about 2 months. When she went back the price had gone up so high that she was able to get 4 different brand tires for the cost of 2 more to match.
I ended up getting the 2 like new tires from her for $50. There are deals out there, you just have be careful.
For example: (DOT 1612) would mean the tires were made in the 16th week of 2012.
I have no problem buying used tires, but I thoroughly inspect them for cracks and dry rot and will not buy anything older than 5 years.
In good light, grab the bead area of the tire and squeeze them together. This will open up any cracks or dry rot and make them easier to see. I recently got a really good deal off of craigslist for my shop truck.
Some girl ran over something an ruined a tire. She bought two brand new ones and had them on for 3k miles before going back to get 2 more to match the front in about 2 months. When she went back the price had gone up so high that she was able to get 4 different brand tires for the cost of 2 more to match.
I ended up getting the 2 like new tires from her for $50. There are deals out there, you just have be careful.
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