How Old Are Your Tires? Reading the DOT Date Code and Other Safety Checks

Tread depth is only part of tire safety. Learn how to read the DOT date code, check pressure and damage, and understand why age matters even when tread remains.

Last updated: October 8, 2026.

Tires can look usable and still be older than you think. Heat, sunlight, storage, mileage and maintenance all affect how rubber changes over time.

Quick takeaway: Check pressure monthly, inspect tread and sidewalls, and look at the DOT Tire Identification Number. NHTSA says the last four digits show the week and year the tire was made. Some vehicle and tire makers recommend replacement at six to ten years regardless of treadwear.

How to Read the DOT Date Code

Look on the sidewall for the Tire Identification Number. The final four digits identify the manufacturing week and year. For example, 2324 means the tire was made in the 23rd week of 2024.

Age Is Not the Only Reason to Replace a Tire

Replace or professionally inspect tires with cuts, cracks, bulges, irregular wear, repeated pressure loss, vibration or other signs of damage. Tread depth also matters.

Do Not Ignore the Spare

Full-size spare tires age even when they are rarely used. Include the spare in your pressure and age checks instead of assuming it is ready because the tread looks new.

Use the Door-Jamb Pressure, Not the Sidewall Maximum

The recommended cold tire pressure for the vehicle is normally listed on the placard in the driver-side door area or in the owner’s manual. The number molded on the tire sidewall is not the same thing as the vehicle’s recommended setting.

The Bottom Line

Tire safety is a combination of age, pressure, tread, condition and performance. A quick monthly check is more useful than waiting for a dashboard warning or visible flat.

Source: NHTSA TireWise — Tire Safety Ratings and Awareness.

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