If you are searching for a tyre shop in Sharjah, it is crucial to know how to check your tyres properly. One important thing that every car owner should know is how to check the manufacturing date and expiry date of tyres. Tyres do not have an expiry date printed on them. They have a code that indicates when they were made.
Why Knowing Your Tyre’s Age Matters
Tyres are more than rubber on a wheel; they are essential to the braking distance, traction and stability of a vehicle. Over time, the rubber in tyres will degrade from heat, sun, weight and flexing. This means that even if your tyre appears brand new, if it is old, it can be dangerous. Most tyre manufacturers and safety experts agree that you should not use tyres that are more than six to ten years old, even if the tread is brand new. Tyre age is very important.
Understanding the DOT Code on Your Tyre
All tyres sold in parts of the world, including the UAE, have a DOT number on the sidewall. This number shows the week and year of manufacture.
The numbers you want are at the end of the DOT number after "DOT”.
The last four numbers are what you want:
-First two numbers = week of the year (01-52).
- The last two numbers represent the year of manufacture.
For example, if the DOT number ends in "3323 ", that tyre was manufactured in the week of 2023. This is your reference point. There is no expiry date stamped on the tyre. Tyre experts recommend replacing tyres that are more than six years old from this date, even if they appear to be in good condition.
Step-by-Step: How to Decode Your Tyre’s Date
1. Locate the Tyre Sidewall Code: Go around the car. Check the sidewall of each tyre. You may have to remove dirt to read the letters properly. The DOT code is usually found on one side of each tyre.2. Identify the Four Numbers: After finding the DOT code, identify the last four numbers. Suppose it reads "4717”. This means the tyre was produced in week 47 of 2017.
3. Determine Age: Using the date of manufacture, calculate the number of years to estimate the expiration date. If the tyre was produced in 2017, it would be nine years old as of 2026, which is well past most safety guidelines.
4. Check the Condition: Even if the tyre is more than six years old, check for any damage such as cracks, bulges or uneven wear.
How Often Should You Replace Tyres?
There is no rule that tyres ‘expire’ on a certain date, but most car and tyre specialists recommend:- Inspect tyres every year after the 5th year.
- Change tyres that are over 6 to 10 years old – irrespective of tread life.
The longevity may differ depending on storage driving conditions, climate and usage. For instance, tyres on a car parked outside in a climate will last shorter than tyres on a car parked in the shade.
What Happens if You Ignore Tyre Age?
Driving on tyres is not only about roadworthiness; it is also about road safety:- Less Traction: Old tyres do not grip the road, especially in wet weather.
- Blowouts: The tyre’s integrity deteriorates with age and exposure to heat.
- Poor Braking: Old tyres take longer to stop.
All this can result in accidents, repairs, and, in some countries, penalties for having tyres that are not roadworthy.
Tips for Accurate Inspection
Here are some tips that can help you accurately read the age of your tyres:- Make sure to check the tyre on both sides, as sometimes the entyre DOT number is only visible on the inner side.
- Remove dirt and grime so that you don’t miss the small code.
- Just because the tread is deep doesn’t mean the tyre is safe to use if it is old.
- If you are not sure, take your car to the experts who can read the codes and tell you when to replace the tyres.