Tires, as the parts of the car that are in direct contact with the ground, not only carry the weight of the whole vehicle, but also are related to the safety and comfort of driving. Knowing the type and year of production of a tyre is crucial for car owners as it relates to their performance, fit and longevity.
By carefully looking at the markings and numbers on the tires, we can easily identify important information such as the size and type of tires and the date of manufacture, so as to ensure that the tires selected meet the needs of the vehicle and are safe to drive.
Tire specification identification: Tire specification is usually represented by a set of numbers, the former number indicates the tire section width, and the latter number indicates the rim diameter, both in inches. For example, a 225 45 R17 tire means that it has a cross-sectional width of 225 mm, a 45% aspect ratio, and a rim diameter of 17 inches.
Special Symbol Recognition: In tire specifications, certain letters or symbols have special meanings. For example, x represents a high-pressure tire, r and z represent a radial tire, and a horizontal bar indicates a low-pressure tire. These symbols help identify the type and characteristics of the tire.
Layer identification: The level refers to the nominal number of ply layers in the tire rubber layer, which is not completely consistent with the actual ply layer, and is an important indicator of tire strength. Levels are usually represented by numbers, e.g. 4 layers means that there are 4 layers of cord.
Tire Exterior Marking: On the outside of the tyre there is usually a marking of the year of manufacture. These tags usually consist of a set of numbers, with the first two digits representing the year, the middle two digits representing the number of weeks, and the last two digits representing the production sequence number. For example, 0807 indicates that the tire was manufactured in the 8th week of 2007.
DOT code: A DOT code is a unique identification code assigned to each tire by the tire manufacturer. In the DOT code, the date of manufacture of the tire is usually included. By interpreting the DOT code, it is possible to determine the year in which the tire was produced.
Tread Wear Indicator Marker: Some brands of tires have a mark when the tread is worn to a certain extent, and this mark usually shows the year the tire was manufactured. Therefore, the year of production of the tire can also be determined by checking the tread wear indication markings.
It is important to note that different brands and models of tires may have different ways of marking and interpretation. Therefore, when looking at the tire model and the year of manufacture, it is best to refer to the instructions provided by the tire manufacturer or contact a professional for consultation.