How to Read the DOT Code and Check Your Tire's Age
Tires age whether or not you drive on them. The DOT code tells you exactly when yours were made.
Find the code
Look on the sidewall for letters 'DOT' followed by a series of characters. Sometimes the full code is only on the inner sidewall.
Read the last four digits
The final four digits are the week and year of manufacture. For example, 3622 means week 36 of 2022, roughly early September 2022.
How old is too old
- Under 6 years: normally fine if the tread and sidewalls look good.
- 6 to 10 years: have them inspected yearly.
- 10 years or more: replace, even if the tread looks deep.
Buying new tires? Check the date
Fresh tires are best. Tires sold new are typically a few months to a year or two old. If a delivered tire shows a date older than you expect, contact us before it is installed.
Not sure how worn your tires are? Try our free Tread Check — photo + a coin, results in seconds.