The Secret Code on Your Tires
Most people judge tires by one thing: tread depth. If the tread looks good, the tires must be good. Right?
Not always.
There is a small code molded into the sidewall of every tire sold in the United States. It quietly tells you something most people never pay attention to: it tells you when the tire was made.
The first two numbers represent the week the tire was made.
The last two numbers represent the year.
Tires age even if they are never driven. Rubber dries out over time. Grip decreases. Braking distance increases. Ride quality may suffer. Blowout risk may go up. This happens whether the tire is being used or sitting untouched in a warehouse.
Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires around six years old, regardless of how much tread is left.
You should always check the tires birthday when you are replacing your tires. Tire shops won't volunteer the build date unless you ask.
Our recommendation
Don't buy "new tires" that are old stock. We recommend not accepting tires that are more than one (1) year old. Ask to see the tires before they are installed to check the production date. And, after installed, verify the tires actually installed are the same as you inspected.
When you are ready for a new or used car, we'll help you do it the smart way, not the dealership's way.
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