Bridgestone tire marking year of manufacture

Every driver who buys a new set of tires expects to receive the product of the current year, since old tires, even without being in use, can partially (or even completely!) lose their characteristics as a result of improper storage and aging. And in order for expectations to be fully met, motorists should know how to determine the production date of a tire (year and month). In addition, we will tell you as clearly as possible how to understand whether a tire is suitable for further use, which will be very useful for those who prefer to purchase used tires.

So, let's figure out how to determine the age of tires, whether it is possible to buy tires that have been in storage for several years, and how suitable old tires are for use.

Tire manufacturing date

How to Find the DOT Number on Your Tires

If you look closely at each of your tires, you will see a bunch of letters and numbers. While this may just look like confusion, it is actually useful information. Look for a number that begins with the letters "DOT" followed by a series of 10 to 12 characters. This code, which is required by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and used worldwide, will tell you a few things:

Week, year and place of manufacture
Tire size
Manufacturer's unique code

For tires produced in 2000

The date of manufacture is the last four digits of the DOT code. The first two digits are the week of manufacture, and the last two digits are the year. For example, if the last four digits of the DOT code are 0203, it means the tire was manufactured during the second week of 2003. Pretty simple, right? However, if your tires were manufactured before 2000, things get a little more complicated.

For tires manufactured before 2000

Issue date – last three digits of the code. The first two digits refer to the week of that year. For example, if the last 3 digits are 022, it means the car tires were produced in the second week of the year and the year is the second year of the decade. Here's where it gets confusing - there is no universal identifier that indicates which decade, so in this example the tire could have been made in 1982 or 1992. Some tires have a small triangle following the DOT code to indicate 1990s.

See an incomplete DOT number?

If you look at the sidewall of your tires and see a DOT number that appears incomplete, it's because current DOT regulations require that the entire number be displayed on just one sidewall, while the opposite sidewall only has the first few digits. To see the entire DOT number, just look at the other side wall.

The tire production date is always stamped on the following tire manufacturers:

Amtel, Barum, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, Cordiant, Dayton, Debica, Goodyear, Dunlop, Falken, Firestone, Fulda, General, Gislaved, Hankook, Kama, Kelly, Kleber, Kormoran, Kumho, Marshal, Matador, Maxxis, Michelin, Nitto, Nokian, Pirelli, Sava, Semperit, Tigar, Triangle, Toyo, Uniroyal, Yokohama.

However, you should not pay too much attention to the age of tires when purchasing, especially if it is less than two years old. Practice shows that such car tires serve no worse than those that were manufactured just a month ago. And the performance characteristics and durability of tires primarily depend on their original quality. Choose quality tires.

One of the decisive factors when purchasing a new set of tires for some car owners was and remains comparative tests. Therefore, many specialized publications and testing organizations conduct their tests at the beginning of each season, based on the results

Don't know how old your tires are and don't know where to look for the tire release date? Don't worry - this is a common problem. We can show you the manufacturing date of the tire and teach you how to quickly find out the manufacturing date of your tires.

It doesn’t matter what kind of tires are on your wheels: summer, demi-season or winter. Only tread performance is truly important. ADAC specialists decided to test new and old tires in different road conditions.

Car wheels are one of the first to begin to suffer from various nasty things that they collect from the roads. Wheels are affected by salt, sand, sharp stones and chemicals that are sprinkled on roads during icy conditions. Therefore, every motorist should be given sufficient

Source: tire-sales.ru

Tire aging

The date of manufacture of a tire can be a determining factor when purchasing shoes for a car.
Each rubber has its own shelf life. Even if the tire mileage is extremely low, you cannot drive on one set for the rest of your life. Over time, tires are exposed to the destructive effects of the environment. The sulfur compounds inside the mixture are destroyed, and the tread itself becomes less elastic. Such tires lose their properties and the rubber simply refuses to provide the proper level of grip on the road.

Independent researchers analyzing serious accidents in several European countries have found a very interesting fact. Most accidents are caused by cars with old tires. Regardless of how famous the manufacturer is, any Bridgestone, Nokian, Yokohama or Dunlop tires have a certain lifespan. The average value is 6-7 seasons, although the French manufacturer Michelin gives a more optimistic forecast at 8-9 years at constant standard loads.

Standard bridgestone or Goodyear summer tires can last 7-8 years under normal driving conditions. A regular tire contains special softeners, which, with constant exposure, prevent the rubber from hardening and prevent cracks from appearing. However, this is relevant if the tire is used regularly. Therefore, if you bought wheels that were produced 4-5 years ago for constant driving, then it is quite possible to use them for another four seasons. If you have to drive infrequently, it is better to look towards tires with a more recent release date.

If we are talking about high-speed yokohama or dunlop tires, then the date of manufacture has more weight. Rubber that experiences high speed loads loses its properties faster. Therefore, it is advisable to change such tires every 3-4 seasons. This applies to products with speed index H and higher.

To determine the speed index on a tire, you should look at the sidewall. The year of manufacture is written on the inside of the wheels, and on the outer diameter there is a load index along with the speed category. The letters H, V, W or Y indicate high speed loads. These letters correspond to maximum speeds of 210, 240, 270 or 300 km/h, respectively. Such kits should be changed more often.

Winter tires have an additional pictogram in the form of a snowflake or the Latin letter W, which stands for Winter. The winter tire mixture consists of softer varieties. These wheels require more attention. Due to the special composition, the shelf life of the tire is reduced to 4-5 years. These parameters are recommended by leading manufacturers Michelin or Nokian, after which it is recommended to replace the kit.

It should be understood that the year of manufacture of tires is not always an accurate indicator for changing shoes. Much depends on operating conditions. If you drive intensively, you can roll the kit in one season. An excellent indicator of tread wear are Twi marks applied around the entire circumference of the wheel. The deepest is at a tread height of 1.6 mm (for winter tires -2 mm) and is the minimum permissible.

Also, if tires have been stored incorrectly, their shelf life will also decrease. The question of how to properly store tires is also relevant. If the set does not have disks, then the wheels should be stored standing up, turning them over once a month. It is not recommended to hang the set, as constant pressure on the cord can damage its integrity. Tires and rims can be stacked horizontally on top of each other or suspended, but do not stack them vertically in the same position.

Question answer

The speed index is the maximum permissible speed at which a properly inflated tire can be driven under load. The speed index, indicated by a letter, is located after the load index on the sidewall of the tire. For example, for a tire with speed index V, the maximum speed is 240 km/h. The tire load index is a numerical expression of the maximum load that the tire can withstand at the speed indicated by the corresponding index and at a certain air pressure in it. For example, for a tire with a load index of 116, the maximum load is 1250 kg.

The country of manufacture is indicated on the sidewall of each tire. For example, the inscription Made in Japan indicates that the tire was made in Japan.

You can find the production date in the DOT number, which is located on the sidewall of each tire. Three letters “DOT” on the sidewall indicate that the tire meets safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is approved for highway use.

Example: DOT YDLX P8U 4617

After the inscription “DOT” there is an alphanumeric code of 11 characters. The first two characters after "DOT" indicate the tire manufacturer and manufacturer code. The next 5 characters are a code defined by each manufacturer and denoting internal codification. The eighth and ninth digits correspond to the week the tire was manufactured. The last number (or numbers) indicates the year the tire was manufactured. The marking in the example means that the tire was manufactured in the 46th week of 2021.

The mileage on a set of tires greatly depends on a number of factors, such as operating conditions, and the quality of the road surface. The way you drive your car has a huge impact on the life of your tires and their wear. Regular heavy acceleration and braking will significantly reduce tire life.

The appearance of uneven wear can be caused by various reasons, such as incorrect tire pressure, malfunctions of the vehicle suspension, incorrect wheel alignment, and violations of operating conditions. To prevent uneven wear, we recommend regularly inspecting your tires and remembering to monitor tire pressure and the technical condition of your vehicle. When changing tires seasonally, we recommend swapping wheels.

The maximum permissible level of wear is determined by the Road Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation and is equal to 1.6 mm of rubber over the entire tread surface for summer car tires. For winter tires, the legal wear limit is 4 mm.

Tread patterns are classified into three main types: non-directional asymmetrical, directional symmetrical and symmetrical.

Directed:

Tires with a directional tread pattern are ideal for sports cars that regularly drive on wet roads. They are also recommended for driving on snowy roads. Installation: As with asymmetrical tires, it is important to follow the tire's rolling direction as indicated by the arrow on the sidewall.

Symmetric:

Symmetrical tires are intended mainly for city or compact cars for short distance driving. The tire is suitable for those looking for good value for money. Mounting: The symmetrical busbar has no mounting direction. You can install and change places without fear of making a mistake.

Typically, the car manufacturer gives recommendations on the choice of tires. There can be several recommended tire sizes, each of which is guaranteed to fit the car without significant losses in handling, smoothness, speedometer readings and durability of chassis components. Alternative tire sizes that can be installed on the vehicle can be found in the vehicle's operating instructions.

RunFlat technology is based on the concept of reinforced tire sidewalls. When a regular tire deflates, it simply sag under the weight of the vehicle, the beads move away from the rim and the sidewalls flatten onto the road, the weight completely destroying the tire within a few kilometers. The reinforced sidewalls of runflat tires hold the tire on the rim and successfully support the weight of the car after a puncture and complete loss of pressure. Moreover, all dynamic vehicle safety systems, such as ABS, ESP, DSC, CBC, etc. remain active. The maximum distance on a flat tire depends on road conditions and vehicle load, about 80 km. The maximum vehicle speed is no more than 80 km/h.

How else does the manufacturer label tires?

TREADWEAR - wear resistance index. Indicates the degree of wear resistance and can range from 100 to 500 units or more. The higher the indicator, the slower the tires will wear out, but this largely depends on driving style, the quality of the road surface and weather conditions.
Temperature (temperature indicator) . Indicates the heat resistance of the rubber at high speeds. There are 3 types: A, B and C, in which A is the best indicator, and C, accordingly, the worst.
“MaxPressure” is the highest pressure indicator inside the wheel. It is expressed in kilopascals (kPa) or bars.
Reinforced - reinforced rubber. Talks about strengthening the tire using an additional layer of cord or other auxiliary elements.
Installation exclusively on the front axle is indicated by the letter “F” or the phrase “Frontwheel”, on the rear axle - by the inscription “Rear wheel” .
Sometimes the factory specifies the material from which the tires are made. For example, the inscription “2 POLYESTER CORD + 2 STEEL CORD” means that the rubber has 2 layers of polyester cord and 2 layers of steel.

Tire design

To understand the marking designation, you need to have an understanding of the tire design.

Tire components:

The frame is the load-bearing part of the tire. Consists of several layers of cord.

Each layer is a rubberized synthetic fabric made of thick threads located in the radial direction and thin threads intertwining the radials. The reinforced frame structure contains metal threads. These tires are installed on trucks and minibuses.

The cord layers that make up the breaker are located between the base and the tread. The breaker dampens vibration and shock when moving.

The tread is the part of the tire that is in contact with the road. A pattern is applied to the tread that determines the traction properties of the tire.

The segment of the tire by which it is attached to the wheel is called the bead.

Sidewall - protects the internal structure from external influences. The marking is applied to the sidewall of the tire.

What is the service life of tires?

When is it necessary to change tires? This issue definitely needs to be clarified. Any tire is a complex mixture of all sorts of chemical components, which can be affected by a variety of factors: driving principle, road conditions, climate, and so on. The loads on the tires are different, which means the tire wear rate is also different.

It is important to carry out independent inspection of the wheels from time to time and periodically contact specialized centers or even suppliers who will carry out diagnostics and point out any identified faults. It is important to notice changes in the appearance of the tires in time, pay attention to the loss of pressure and be sure to contact a professional if the “behavior” of the wheels on the road leaves much to be desired. Technical diagnostics will help you understand whether your tires are worth repairing or whether it’s time to change them. This applies to both tires for passenger cars and tires for trucks and public transport. And, of course, it is always necessary to have a spare tire. Just in case! By the way, this wheel also needs to be checked with special care. Lying idle for a long time and not always storing it correctly often leads to the spare tire becoming covered with cracks and becoming unusable.

If the tires have been actively used for five years, then you need to plan annual diagnostics.

The older the rubber, the faster it wears out, and all sorts of defects appear that should definitely be identified. Despite the fact that it is impossible to determine the date of replacement of old tires with a new set using a calendar method, as a result of the inspection it will become clear whether the existing tires can still serve or whether it is time to buy new ones. If there is a need to replace tires, it is better to update the entire set along with the spare wheel.

Important information

Tires are available in tubed and tubeless versions. Tubeless ones are mounted on reinforced rims with more reliable fastening elements.

Bridgestone tires are classified according to their purpose:

Road or summer. Designed for use at temperatures above +5 o C. Provide good adhesion to dry and wet surfaces. They perform worst on dirt roads. Not suitable for icy or snowy areas.
Winter. In terms of dynamic properties they are inferior to summer ones. Adapted for movement on slippery, snowy areas. There is a possibility of additional studding of the tread.
All-season. They can be used in summer and winter, but their grip characteristics are inferior to seasonal tires.
Universal. Installed on SUVs. They hold traction well and provide cross-country ability on both dirt roads and asphalt surfaces.
Special tires with improved cross-country ability. Allows you to move on soft ground and in off-road conditions. Installed on special equipment.

Special markings are used to indicate seasonality.

Why do we need information about the production date of tires?

Drivers change their cars at least twice a year. As a rule, tires are used for several years, and then new tires are purchased. In this case, the tread pattern, raw materials, radius are taken into account, but rarely pay attention to the release date of the product. But it is precisely this information that helps to better understand the condition of the tires and how long they will last.

Manufacturers provide a warranty on tires for at least 5 years. It is believed that during this period the tires are at the peak of their form. But there is a nuance here - operating conditions: if the car constantly overcomes off-road conditions, and the driver is a big fan of high speed, the tires run the risk of wearing out much earlier. And vice versa: with quieter use, tires last over 5 years, maintaining normal elasticity and other important characteristics.
As tires age, they gradually lose their properties. Over the years, tires release chemicals that provide the desired elasticity. The older the product, the harder it is.

You can determine for yourself whether your tires are starting to age. To do this, pay attention to their side. Did you see any small cracks here? This is the first sign of aging. Over the years, these scuffs will become deeper, and the tire itself will begin to change color, acquiring a whitish tint on the originally black rubber.

As black rubber ages, it becomes covered with a whitish coating.

Have you noticed similar symptoms on your car tires? This means it’s time to change them - there’s no point in delaying it any further, even if the tread doesn’t look worn out. Driving a car with such tires is dangerous.

Size determination

The main thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a tire is the size. This is the largest image after the manufacturer's name.

205 — Width of the tire section in mm. Linear distance between sidewalls. The tire is measured when inflated. Protruding parts of the markings are not taken into account when measuring.

65 — Profile height. Relative value, calculated as a percentage. It is the ratio of the profile height to the section width. Profile height is the distance between the landing and outer diameters. The seat diameter is determined at the point where the tire is attached to the wheel rim.

The profile height is not indicated in the marking if its value is more than 80%. Starting from 75% onwards (5% step: 75, 70, 65...) must be applied. The larger the value, the higher the tire looks.

A tire with a height rating of 55 and below is classified as low profile. This tire has an increased tread width. Rubber gives the car sporty dynamics. Increases lateral stability during sharp turns. Reduces braking distance. It is not suitable for our road conditions because it is sensitive to road surface unevenness and cannot be used in bad weather conditions. On a wet surface, the risk of water drift increases significantly. In our conditions, it is recommended to use tires with a profile height of 70%.

R - Indicates the radial type of cord construction.

15 — Wheel rim diameter. Indicator in inches.

94 — Index of maximum load on one wheel. Expressed in kg. Reflects the critical mass at which the vehicle should not be operated. Mark 94 corresponds to a maximum weight of 670 kg.

N - Symbol of speed. Indicates the maximum threshold, exceeding which is prohibited. H corresponds to 210 km/h.

Size indicators are the main information that is used when choosing tires.

Large letters on the sidewall indicate the name of the manufacturer Bridgestone and the tire model.

Analysis of markings using an example

To finally understand the decoding of the sizes and other characteristics of passenger car tires, let’s look at a real example. Let's say we have a tire with the following markings:

Meaning of marking

What can we find out?

Tire size. Bore diameter 16 inches. The tire width is 205 mm, and the height is 55% of the width - 110 mm.
Construction type – radial.
Load index 91, which means a maximum permissible load of 615 kg (see table above).
Speed index V (240 km/h).
Wear index 360 - average wear resistance.
Temperature mode A – the best resistance to high temperatures.
Tubeless - tubeless tires.

In the photo you can also see the inscription Outside, which means that the tires have an asymmetric tread. The make and model are not visible in the picture, but identifying it will not be difficult even for a completely inexperienced driver.

American labeling system

The above is the European notation system. American markings are applied in accordance with the quality standards of the US Department of Transportation. Such tires are produced for use in the North American states. All designations are expressed in inches.

Marking 31 X 10.5 R 15

31 — Tire outer diameter

10.5 — Section size

R — Radial arrangement of cord threads

15 — Bore diameter

Tire storage

If car tires have not worn out ahead of time, then their service life (maintaining the declared driving characteristics) should be no less than five years. This is guaranteed by all well-known manufacturers. In practice, with proper care and careful use, tires are quite capable of lasting much longer than the specified minimum. At the same time, they can maintain both performance characteristics, elasticity, and appearance.

The aging of tires primarily depends on its quality. But this parameter is significantly influenced by the operating and storage conditions of the wheels. Over time, tires lose elasticity and become harder. This process is accelerated by exposure to high temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture. Therefore, during the off-season, it is better to store tires packed in special plastic bags that prevent direct contact of the rubber with the external environment and direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Beaded wheels should be stored inflated and hung on the walls of a dry and dark room (attic or garage), and tires removed from the rims should be stored in stacks or vertically. In the latter case, from time to time they need to be swapped or rotated. In addition, today many auto centers offer tire storage services, for which they have specialized premises equipped with special racks. With such storage and compliance with all rules, car tires can remain elastic for up to ten years.

Symbols related to tread pattern

According to the nature of the pattern, protectors are divided into:

Non-directional. Symmetrical, relative to its longitudinal axis, or universal
Directed. Symmetrical. They have recesses for better water drainage
Asymmetrical. Combines several useful properties. The outer side can provide better grip on dry surfaces, and the inner side can work to drain water

When installing wheels, the following designations are taken into account:

Outside - The outer side of an asymmetric tire

Inside - The inner side of the asymmetrical wheel

Rotation - This inscription in conjunction with an arrow indicates the direction of movement of the wheel. This indicates that the tread is directional. If installed incorrectly, water accumulates in the tread grooves, which creates conditions for hydroplaning.

Tire technical markings

Tubeless is a marking indicating that this tire is a tubeless type.

Tube Type - marking indicating that the tire should be used with a tube.

TWI - Tread wear indicator or tread wear indicator. The tread wear indicator (small protrusion) is located on the bottom of the tread groove closest to the mark. It shows the maximum permissible degree of tire tread wear. When the tread wears down to this protrusion, the tire must be replaced. There are two types of tread wear indicators - winter and summer.

1.6 mm is the minimum permissible remaining tread height for summer tires according to Russian legislation (TWI = 1.6 mm).

Marking by seasonality type

Both letter designations and images in the form of pictograms are used:

M+S - Winter tires. Designed for driving on mud and snow. Has increased traction at low temperatures.

Snowflake Image - Used in combination with the letters M+S or on its own. Indicates winter tires.

AS or R+W - All-season tires.

Images: sun, umbrella, leaf, snowflake - Indicates that the tire can be used at any time of the year.

If the marking does not contain seasonal designations, this indicates that the tires can only be used in the summer.

Tire sizes. How to find out the tire profile?

Car tires have their own diameter, width and height. The seat diameter is measured in inches (equal to 25.4 mm) and must correspond to the size of the wheel rims. On board it is designated by numbers: 15, 17, 20, etc.

Size designation

You can select the appropriate sizes using the table:

A profile refers to the 2 numbers on a tire, for example 225/40. The first means the width of the tire, and the second its height as a percentage. This means that with a width of 225 mm, the height will be 40%, that is, 90 mm.

Other information

The sidewall contains other information printed in small print:

Tube tipe - The tire must have a tube in it

Tubeless - Tubeless tire

RFT - Runflat technology is used in the manufacture of the tire. The sidewalls of the tire are reinforced with an additional layer. In the event of a tire puncture, the car will be able to continue driving with a speed limit of 80 km/ and a range of 150 km.

Bridgestone uses runflat technology for studless tires. Only cars equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system are equipped with such tires.

Treadwear - When combined with a number, indicates the wear resistance of the rubber. To operate the tire in everyday conditions, this figure should be in the range of 220-340.

Temperature - In combination with the letters A, B, C, indicates the heat resistance of the tire's gripping surface when driving at maximum speeds.

Traction - Index of maximum grip on the road surface.

Below the Bridgestone inscription is an oval with three letters and four numbers. Letter designation - service information. The digital designation is the date of manufacture of the rubber. An important indicator. The shelf life of a tire should not exceed 5 years. The first two digits in the oval indicate the month of manufacture. The remaining two are the year of production (16 - 2021).

E, circled and the next 7 digits - European quality standard and certificate series. The American standard is designated DOT.

TWI - shows where to look for the tread wear indicator. The recommended wear level for winter tires is 5.5 mm. If the indicator is lower, tire replacement is required.

Max load and Max Pressure - Maximum load and maximum tire pressure.

Reinforced - Reinforced sidewall

Steel - Steel plates in the frame of the structure

The country of manufacture is indicated closer to the center of the tire.

In Russia, Bridgestone tires are labeled according to the European classification. Indicators that you should consider when making your choice are size and seasonality. When installing the wheel, the direction of the tread is taken into account. The manufacturer reports design details in small print. Before purchasing, check the production date of the tire. Multi-colored lines along the tread do not convey consumer information. This is how a specific batch entering the warehouse is designated.

Source: kolesospec.ru

Tips for drivers

Most experts and car enthusiasts agree and recommend the following.

Given an alternative, lean toward newer tires, but don't make it your top priority, especially if the tires are less than two years old.
During the off-season, store tires in special bags that will protect them from most negative external influences.
Park the car in the shade to avoid direct sunlight on the tires. This will not only extend the life of the tires, but also protect the interior from burning out.
Regularly check the pressure level in the chambers, as well as tread wear. Incorrect pressure can cause tires to overheat and, as a result, uneven wear on their tread.

In conclusion, let us remind you that you need to pay attention to the production date, both when purchasing used tires and when purchasing new tires, because quite often it happens that models three or four years old are bought wholesale abroad and sold on the domestic market as a new product season. And if for some period this tire was stored in violation of the conditions, then nothing but problems should be expected from it.

Determining the year of manufacture and production date of tires

Determining the production date of a car tire is an important point that determines how long the product can be used without risk to road users. You can find out the year of manufacture of rubber by special markings on the side parts of the product. This indicator should influence the final choice of the consumer when purchasing tires, and the country of manufacture is also taken into account.

80% of retail outlets, when asked whether the age of a tire matters, answer that it does not. However, this is 100% deception. According to research by manufacturers Hankook, Continental and other global brands, a tire can be stored in proper conditions for up to 5 years from the date of production. Therefore, when asked: is this index important, the correct answer is yes.

There are differences in the service life and storage of different models. For example, Bridgestone-Blizak or Ice Cruiser 7000 tires, when properly stored, retain their properties for up to 5 years, and summer models can be stored for no more than 120 months.

How should tires be stored?

Based on the fact that the service life of tires is at least five years, Manufacturers guarantee that during this time the declared characteristics of the tires do not change. However, in reality, not everything is so rosy. Features of operation or storage are a very significant factor that changes the condition of tires. But favorable operating conditions extend this period.

That is, careful use helps tires last much longer than the designated period. So this is not a verdict. Both the appearance and quality indicators of the tires will be within normal limits, so it will be safe to use. It must be said that the characteristics of aging depend on the material, that is, on the rubber itself. And they can vary significantly. This means that the place where the tire is produced, in other words the manufacturer, matters.

The second significant factor influencing aging is the conditions in which the rubber is exposed (operational features and storage conditions of the tires). Time destroys rubber, it loses elasticity and becomes more fragile. Plus the adverse effects of temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and moisture. It is recommended to store tires in a packaged form (in polyethylene, polypropylene); the room should not be hot, but it should not be cold either. Humidity should also be minimal, and certainly no exposure to sunlight.

Tires and rims are stored inflated, preferably hanging (for example, on a wall), in a dry and warm room. Tires without rims are stored in stacks. It can also be done vertically. They need to be turned over from time to time. Today, auto centers offer storage of tires, and it is there that all the necessary storage conditions are met, ensuring the preservation of the quality of tires for many years.

How to determine the year of manufacture of tires

Different countries have their own markings that determine the production date of car tires.
However, in the early 2000s, manufacturers began to adhere to common standards. This has become a necessity due to the proliferation and mixing of products. For example, for foreign brands Kumho, Yokohama, Dunlop, Pirelli, special markings are installed where the exact data is encrypted. Recently, other manufacturers have joined the general standards:

The following is a more accurate determination of the production time of tires from popular manufacturers.

Tire release date: where indicated

According to the regulatory documents of the Department of Transportation, all manufacturers of automobile tires are required to mark the production date on their products. The code should be separated from other designations, which makes it stand out for better identification.

For models from manufacturers such as Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian, the location of the encoding in a separate oval is relevant. The index consists of 4 digits, which makes it easier to find and decipher. For example, you can take Nokian Hakapelita tires of 7/5/8 generations.

In this case, you can see that the index is highlighted with a rubber oval, the numbers stand out among the general designations.

You can also find products on the market with strange indices like YYY 2015/2117 and others. You can find it on the side parts of the tire.

These are typical identifiers for the Yakohama brand.

The following designation can be found from Goodyear:

As you can see from the photo, the code numbers are not surrounded by rubber circles or squares, but are simply written during vulcanization.

Marking the production date of tires and deciphering their designations

As of 2021, there is a generally accepted marking of the production date of automobile tires according to the DOT code. At the same time, the rules are the same for cars, truck tractors and buses.

The side parts on tires of the brands Bridgestone, Michelin, Toyo, Kama contain the so-called DOT coding. The index itself consists of several characters, but in this case the buyer should be interested in the last 4 digits.

Weekly allocations are taken into account in accordance with the ISO 8601 regulation, where calendar allocations are strictly broken down into weekly basis.

Also on some modifications of rubber you can find a designation like “YYY2018” and similar. This is especially often indicated for Yokohama brand products. You should not be afraid when you encounter this marking. The first three letters are not taken into account, the numbers are interesting - 2021 tells the buyer that the product was released from the assembly line in the 20th week of 2021.

“In the bins” of some unique stores you can still find wheels with three-digit indices such as 125 or 129. This is the standard marking of parts manufactured before 2000. However, there is no distribution of winter or summer tires.

There is also a definition of the week and year of issue. To accurately understand the situation, you need to pay attention to the place after the last number. For example, if there is a space or a triangular symbol after the code, this indicates the 90s, and if there are no extraneous marks, the model was released in the 80s.

Tire aging

Aged tires can be easily identified by the condition of their sidewalls. As the rubber dries and hardens, microcracks appear on its surface, which increase in size over time. In addition, aging can also be seen in the color of the tire, which becomes whitish instead of charcoal black. These are characteristic features that are quite easy to discern. And if they become obvious, the tires should be changed, even if the tire tread is slightly worn and looks quite decent.

Many car owners are wondering whether it makes sense to buy new tires (not used) that were released two or three years ago? It all depends on many factors. But the main ones remain the same - the original quality and conditions of storage and transportation. Quality directly depends on the brand. The leaders of the tire market spend huge amounts of money on all kinds of research and testing of their products. As a result, all sorts of additives are added to the compound of their tires, which act as “anti-aging agents” and are a trade secret. Therefore, when buying tires from a famous brand, you don’t have to worry about quality and durability, but for this you will have to overpay a certain amount.

Each supplier and distributor of tires has its own warehouse facilities and transport for transporting goods. It is quite natural that large and reputable companies can afford to equip them with the latest technology, and therefore in compliance with optimal storage/transportation conditions. With such care, tires will practically not lose their original characteristics even after several years.

Based on the above, we can draw the following conclusion. Even if the tires were manufactured several years ago, but were stored properly and are of excellent quality, they are practically indistinguishable from new ones. And if such rubber looks fresh in appearance, and when examining its surfaces, no cracks or pale areas are found, then you can safely purchase it. And here it must be said that, other things being equal, last year’s model will cost less than the one just off the assembly line.

Instructions for determining production time

For example, you can take a standard tire from a European brand. Here you can determine the production time in this way.

Carefully examine the sidewalls of the rubber and find the DOT combination.
This strip may contain numbers, letters and other symbols.
You need to move to the end of the line, where you highlight the last 4 digits.
The first two talk about the week, and the last two talk about the year when the product left the assembly line.

Other tire markings

As a rule, along with the tire size, markings indicating the brand and model of the tire are also highlighted. For example,

MICHELIN is a tire brand (manufacturing company). Michelin group brands also include BFGoodrich, Kleber, Tigar, Kormoran.

Primacy 3 is a summer model of Michelin tires, where “3” means the third generation of the tire.

Made in France is a marking indicating the country of manufacture of the tire, in this case the country of manufacture is France.

Determining the expiration date of a tire

Specific dates depend on the quality of the material and storage conditions. For example, the ideal warehouse environment is a dry workshop with no temperature changes, minimal dampness and no direct sunlight. If all parameters are met, the product can be stored for 7-8 and 4-5 years for summer and winter tires, respectively.

More accurate studies were carried out by MICHELIN, Continental and others. Artificial tests confirmed these results and showed that a tire that had been in a warehouse for 2-3 years practically does not differ from a fresh one in terms of characteristics. In 2021, you can take products released after 2014-15. And for products from 2012, the critical moment of write-off has already arrived.

Tire seasonality

The marking of passenger tires according to seasonality usually looks like this:

Snowflake inside a schematic piece of ice. Marks winter tires that have a deeper tread (8 - 10 mm), soft rubber and a different working surface pattern.
Pictogram "sun". Designates summer tires that do not melt at high temperatures (+25 ... +40 °C), have a large contact patch with the surface and special grooves for draining water.
Аllseason or Allweather means that the tire is all-season. Such rubber is used at average temperatures in the range from -7 to +25 °C.

On tires you can often find the designation S+M, which stands for SnowandMud (snow and mud). These tires are suitable for severe weather conditions. There is also a special anti-rain rubber, on the sidewall of which a drop of water or an umbrella will be drawn.

Why do you need to know the year of manufacture of tires?

When purchasing car tires, vehicle owners do not think about how old the wheels are. Tread pattern, wheel size - this is what drivers pay attention to, but what about the age of the tires? Why do you need information about this parameter?

The production date of a tire is a factor that can reduce the buyer’s financial costs. Knowing this parameter, you can buy new car wheels, rather than used ones or ones with a high mileage. Tires that are a couple of years old should be sold at a discount for the following reasons.

The tire, released from the manufacturer, arrives at the seller's store. If at the factory there are no problems with storing tires, then in stores this condition is not always met - temperature conditions and humidity levels are not maintained.

Important. The shelf life of tires depends on compliance with storage conditions at the seller’s warehouse. In the future, rubber may undergo structural changes - oxidation and cracking. Under the influence of these reasons, tires lose their physical properties.

Humidity and temperature conditions cause such changes. But even if all conditions are met, there is no guarantee that car tires will remain in their original condition. The effect of aging has not been canceled, and the right atmosphere will only delay this stage for a short time. After the end of the warranty period for tires, the owner himself determines the possibility of using the product, taking into account the following parameters:

technical condition;
storage atmosphere;
precision in operation.

The service life of wheels is affected by overload and violation of the tire pressure parameters recommended by the manufacturer. These factors cause rubber overheating and destruction. Destructive processes accelerate wear, and with minimal use, deformation accelerates. It is important to know the wheel release time.

The expiration date of Bridgestone car tires - how to determine?

Bridgestone car tires are of high quality due to modern materials and innovative technologies used in the production of the tread. But, like all car tires, after a certain period of use they lose their performance characteristics, reducing the safety of movement. The appearance of microcracks, fractures, and uneven wear are the first signs of the condition of the tire structure.

The shelf life of standard tires is 5–6 years of fruitful use from the date of manufacture, and not from the date of purchase. Although, depending on the driving style, road and climatic conditions, the correctness/accuracy of balancing and even the technical serviceability of the suspension, this parameter may change, however, in the direction of decreasing rather than increasing mileage.

Each type of Bridgestone tire has its own expiration date according to GOST. Thus, high-speed ZR models operated at high speeds retain their properties for a maximum of 6 years, tires with the H index (up to 210 km/h) work quietly for 4–5 years, and tires with the S index (maximum speed up to 180 km /h) function optimally for 4 years. In order to have a complete understanding of what year the tires were produced, it is enough to carefully study the stamp on the side of the model - the first digits/week of production, the second digits/year of production. Knowing the exact production time, it is not difficult to calculate how many seasons a tire will last if used correctly.

What factors affect tire life?

In most cases, the shelf life of Bridgestone tires is influenced by several significant factors, most often directly dependent on the driver of the vehicle.

Degree of vehicle congestion - for example, summer tires on passenger cars and when driving in city mode do not wear out as quickly as similar models installed on light trucks intensively used for various cargo transportation.
Car tire size - tires will wear out faster when driving around sharp turns, having a wider profile, while low-profile models wear out more when driving on poor-quality roads.
Driving style - aggressive driving, dashing turns and “police” turns, sharp braking and acceleration affects the degree of wear on the Bridgestone tire tread and not for the better.
The quality of the road surface is a factor on which the shelf life directly depends; driving on smooth asphalt roads in a calm driving manner increases the shelf life, while aggressive driving and poor quality of the road surface reduces it.
And naturally, the mileage of the tire - after four to five seasons of operation, each driver can already visually determine that it is time to change the tires.

In all cases, only the car owner is responsible for the service life and safety characteristics, and only he can determine that it is time to replace and buy new tires in order to get the highest level of performance, reliability, safety and comfort on every trip.

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How to determine the year of manufacture of a tire

When purchasing a new set of car tires, drivers hope to get the product of the current year, since old ones, even without use, may lose their characteristics partially or completely. Determining the release date of the wheel will save you from the cost of repairs or purchasing a new copy.

For example, if the tire says 2013, this means week 20 of 2013. The system of three-digit designations for the time of tire production was used since 2000 and was read in the same way: the first digits are the week, the final digit is the year of production. For example, the indicated code on the sidewall of wheel 109 can be deciphered as follows: 10 week of 89 or 99.

To determine the 80s or 90s of the production of tires, you need to pay attention to whether there is a space after these numbers (an indent or a stamp in the form of a triangle). With a gap or triangle - year of manufacture 98. This marking system was developed taking into account that car wheels will be used for no more than 10 years.

After 2000, the trend changed, and manufacturers began to use more effective and convenient release date markings. There may be letters (LMLR107) in front of the number code, but they are not relevant to determining the date of manufacture of the tire.

From the above, we can conclude that there is nothing difficult in determining the production date of car tires - you should be careful.

Can the release date be faked?

The production date of the tire, encrypted in the identification code, is one of the important indicators, along with the tire size, load and speed indices. Old tires are not recommended for purchase. Therefore, sometimes careless sellers try to disguise this parameter. A fake inscription can be identified by careless markings or uneven numbers.

Fortunately, this situation does not happen often, but sometimes it happens that the recording is completely erased from the sidewall. How to determine the production date of a tire in this case? This is where the World Wide Web comes to the rescue. Just write the tire model and look at the years it was produced. As a rule, tire manufacturers update their models, and you will find out when a particular set was produced.

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So, let's figure out how to determine the age of tires, whether it is possible to buy tires that have been in storage for several years, and how suitable old tires are for use.

Where is the year of manufacture indicated on the tires?

The marking on the wheel, which determines how long ago the product was produced, is located on the side surface in the form of a special designation - an oval-shaped stamp with internal numbers.

Important. According to the instructions of the Department of Transport, which certifies tires, this mark must be present on each product. It must be applied with clearly defined contours. This is a mandatory condition that must be met by car tire manufacturers targeting the North American market with mandatory DOT certification. Therefore, manufacturers of high-quality car wheel models adhere to this rule regardless of geographical location.

Why do you need to know the year in which the tires were produced?

Many products have expiration dates and sell-by dates, and tires are no exception. Most tires are intended to be sold within three years from the date of manufacture, and the storage of rubber requires special conditions, since the rubber mixture loses its properties over time.

The loss of elasticity of tires leads to multiple cracks, and using such rubber is dangerous. Even if the tires have been lying in a warehouse for three years or more, with full compliance with the storage rules, it is definitely worth checking them for any defects. To sell stale goods, sellers can resort to any tricks, including assuring that the tire release date is an indicator that you can close your eyes to. In the markets you can find many products whose service life has passed, but they are sold as new.

CONCLUSION

From all of the above, the following conclusions can be drawn:

When buying new or used tires, pay attention to the year of manufacture of the product.
You can find out the year of manufacture of the tire by the digital marking in the oval sector, after the DOT code.
The guaranteed shelf life of tires should not exceed 5 years.
Tires can be used after the expiration of the warranty storage period, but with mandatory diagnostics at least once a season.
When choosing rubber within a 3-5 year shelf life, pay attention to the appearance of the product.

How to choose the right tires?

Of course, it is worth purchasing products from reputable companies that have the opportunity to use innovative developments and conduct research related to wear and shelf life of rubber. For example, the well-known manufacturer Bridgestone has its own research centers in different countries.

If it is important to purchase used tires, you should carefully inspect the tires, check for cracks, and pay close attention to tread wear. Irregularities at the base of the rim, abrasions and signs of repair are powerful arguments against buying tires. Even if the tires look trustworthy on the outside, it is worth finding out how, where and for how many years they were stored before selling.

And it’s best not to take risks and buy tires in our online store of tires and wheels, Smolkoles, our specialists will advise you on all issues.

Tire markings are an extremely useful thing. Each tire has its own designations indicating the date of manufacture of the product, tire size, information about the manufacturer, tire composition and other additional designations. Understanding what these letters and numbers mean will help you find the best quality car tires that are ideal for your specific driving conditions.

You can find out how to choose the right tires, their characteristics and year of manufacture from this article. Here you can also find out useful tips on buying used tires, and how age affects the traction properties of tires.

Summary

As it becomes clear, there are quite a few ways to find out the age of Michelin car tires. The most important thing is to try to determine the age as approximately as possible, since the exact age is very, very difficult to determine, especially if the car tires have already been used by some driver before.

The most important thing to pay attention to when determining age is determining the tread height of Michelin tires. To do this, it is enough to measure this value as accurately as possible and compare it with the standard value. If the difference between these values is relatively small, then the age of such tires will also be small. As this value increases, the age of car tires will correspondingly increase.

The most important thing for drivers is to try to maintain the quality of the Michelin tires they use for as long as possible. To do this, it is enough to treat rubber products as carefully and carefully as possible.

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