Tire manufacturers vary as to when aged tires should be replaced. For example, Bridgestone recommends that its Bridgestone or Firestone brand tires be removed from service after ten years, regardless of their remaining tread depth. Goodyear, however, recommends that any tire in service 6 years or more be replaced even if the tire appears serviceable and even if it has not reached the legal treadwear limit.
If you are unable to determine the date a tire was first placed in service, then you should rely on the DOT code stamped on the tire. Since 2000, the week and year the tire was produced has been provided by the last four digits of the Tire Identification Number with the 2 digits being used to identify the week immediately preceding the 2 digits used to identify the year.
Here is an example of a tire manufactured since 2000 with the current Tire Identification Number format:
If you are unable to determine the date a tire was first placed in service, then you should rely on the DOT code stamped on the tire. Since 2000, the week and year the tire was produced has been provided by the last four digits of the Tire Identification Number with the 2 digits being used to identify the week immediately preceding the 2 digits used to identify the year.
Here is an example of a tire manufactured since 2000 with the current Tire Identification Number format:
