Tire Age Calculator (DOT Code)

Every tire has a hidden manufacture date stamped on its sidewall — and knowing your tire's age is critical for road safety, since rubber degrades over time even if the tread looks fine. Enter the last 4 digits of your tire's DOT code (found on the sidewall) into the Tire Age Calculator to get the tire age in years, the exact manufacturing date, age in days, and a replacement status indicating whether your tires are still safe or due for a change.

Enter the last 4 digits from the DOT code on your tire sidewall

Results

Tire Age

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Manufacturing Date

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Replacement Status

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Age in Days

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to read the tire date code?

Look at the sidewall of your tire for a code following the letters 'DOT'. The last 4 digits represent the week and year of manufacture (WWYY format). For example, '3822' means the 38th week of 2022.

Why is the DOT code important?

The DOT code helps you determine when your tire was manufactured, which is crucial for safety. Tires degrade over time regardless of tread depth, and most manufacturers recommend inspection after 6 years and replacement by 10 years.

What if my tire has only 3 digits in the DOT code?

A 3-digit code indicates your tire was manufactured before 2000, likely in the 1990s or earlier. These tires are well past their service life and should be replaced immediately for safety reasons.

How long do tires last?

While tire life varies, most manufacturers recommend inspection after 5-6 years and replacement by 10 years regardless of tread depth. Factors like storage conditions, heat, and inflation pressure affect tire aging.

Where can I find the DOT code on my tire?

The DOT code is located on the tire sidewall, usually on the inner side. It starts with the letters 'DOT' followed by up to 13 characters. You only need the last 4 digits for the manufacturing date.

What factors accelerate tire aging?

Heat, sunlight exposure, low inflation pressure, and improper storage can accelerate tire aging. Even tires with good tread can become unsafe due to age-related deterioration of rubber compounds.

Should I replace tires based on age alone?

Yes, age is a critical safety factor. Even if your tires have adequate tread depth, rubber compounds deteriorate over time, making the tire more prone to failure. Follow manufacturer guidelines for age-based replacement.