In short
The last four digits of the DOT code show the week and year a tire was made. Age should be considered together with tread depth, cracks, damage, storage and manufacturer recommendations; a tire can be unsafe before any age limit if it is damaged.
How to read the four digits
At the end of the DOT string are four digits: the first two give the week and the last two the year of production. For example, 2324 means week 23 of 2024.
The marking may be fully visible on only one side of the tire, so you sometimes need to look at the inner side.
The date does not describe a tire's life
A tire on a vehicle that stands in the sun with too little pressure does not age the same way as a correctly stored tire. Heat, UV radiation, chemicals, load and driving style all change the condition of the material.
So check for cracks between the tread blocks and on the sidewall, deformation, uneven wear and signs of repairs.
Deep tread does not guarantee a good tire
A vehicle with low mileage may have plenty of tread, but an old, hardened compound can behave worse on a wet or cold road. A spare wheel also ages even if it has not been used.
After five or more years, Michelin recommends an annual professional inspection and, as a general precaution, replacement within ten years of production, unless the vehicle manufacturer says otherwise.
Buying used or long-stored tires
Do not buy based only on tread depth and a low price. Ask for the DOT code, look at all sides, check whether the tire has been repaired and think about unknown storage conditions.
The saving loses its point if you have no reliable information about damage or if little useful life remains.
Key points
Three things to remember
- 01
Read the DOT code as the week and year of production.
- 02
Look at the physical condition and history, not only the calendar.
- 03
After several years, ask for regular professional checks and follow the manufacturer's recommendation.
FAQ
Straight answers
Does a tire older than five years have to be replaced immediately?
Not automatically, but it should be checked more often by a professional. The decision depends on its condition and the manufacturer's recommendation.
What does DOT 1025 mean?
Made in week 10 of 2025.
Can a tire be bad even if its date is recent?
Yes, if it is damaged, stored incorrectly, fitted wrongly or driven at the wrong pressure.
Sources and further reading
This article is informational. Check regulations, conditions and changing figures before a specific procedure.
