If you’ve ever bought new Micheline tires, you may have noticed a letter and number series on the tire sidewall. This code offers information about the tire manufacture date, and it provides important information about the tire age.
Knowing how to read this code can be useful when purchasing tires. Let’s take a closer look at the Michelin tire DOT code lookup and what information it provides.
In this article:
Michelin Tire Sidewall Explain
I’ll explain what you need to know about Michelin tire sidewalls, including tire specs, the DOT code, and the UTQG rating.
Tire Specs
Michelin tire’s outer sidewall contains a wealth of information about the tire’s specs. This information includes the tire size, load capacity, speed rating, and maximum inflation pressure.
The tire size is represented by a string of numbers and uppercase letters that show the tire’s width, tire aspect ratio, and rim diameter.
Take the tires on my Mazda, for instance. With a size of P215/65R16, it boasts a width of 215mm, an aspect ratio of 65, and fits a 16-inch rim.
DOT Code
The name of the facility, the code for the manufacturer, and the tire’s birthdate are all found after the term “DOT.” And the Michelin tire date of the manufacturer can be located near the conclusion of the second part.
They are the tire code’s final four digits, which are often seen underneath the tire specifications. The DOT code is required by law and is typically found on the sidewall of the tire near the rim.
UTQG Rating
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) rating is a standardized system used to grade tires based on their treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. This rating is represented by a three-unit string, such as 500AA (500, A, and A).
The first number represents the treadwear rating, telling you how long the tire is expected to last. The tire’s traction rating, coded by the second letter, describes how well it can grip on wet terrain.
The third individual letter stands for the temperature rating, which denotes the tire’s ability to dissipate heat and tolerate high temperatures.
How To Read Tire Date Codes
Reading Michelin tire date codes is easy once you know where to look. The code is typically located on the sidewall of the tire, near the rim. Look for a series of four digits that follow the letter combination “DOT.”
The tire date code is a four-digit number indicating the week and year the tire was manufactured. This code is typically found on the tire sidewall near the rim. The first two digits of the code represent the week of production, while the second two digits represent the year.
For example, the tire on my 2019 Ram 1500 says “DOT J3H3 8D2X 0319.”
The date code is “0319”, which means the tire was manufactured in the third week of 2019. The J3H3 8D2X indicates where the tire was produced, but this seems useless to me, as I already know the brand.
Notice that there are two types of codes, one with 7-12 TIN characters and the other with 13 TIN characters.
7-12 TIN Character
The first two names serve as a code to identify the tire manufacturing facility if there are seven to twelve names. The tire size will then be displayed in a flow of one or two characters.
The code for the particular tire contribution from the manufacturer will be followed by a group of four or five characters. A TIN may contain up to twelve characters, so keep that in mind. For tires manufactured from 2000 onward, the last four characters display the manufacturing date.
13 TIN Character
The size of the manufacturing plant’s code is what differentiates the 13 TIN characters from the 7–12 TIN characters. The second set of TIN characters can contain up to six characters. This will display the tire size, the kind of air utilized, and even more tire-specific details.
The TIN’s four final characters display the Michelin tire date code along with the year of production. Similar to the 7-12 TIN character code, the first two stand for the manufacture week, while the last two point at the manufacture year.
How To Check Tire Manufacture Date Before & After 2000
The procedures for obtaining a tire’s DOT number may be unclear to some. If you find yourself in a similar scenario, keep reading for some advice on DOT tire numbers.
Before The Year 2000
For tires manufactured before 2000, the tire serial number has three digits rather than four. The final one relates to the year, whereas the first two specifically denote the production week.
Since The Year 2000
The date of production has four numerals since 2000. The last two letters indicate the production year, while the first two digits indicate the tire week of manufacture.
Why It Is Important To Know How To Read Michelin Tire Date Codes
It is crucial to know how to read tire date codes because it provides valuable information about the age of a tire, which is a critical factor in determining its safety and performance.
Tires that are too old may have deteriorated over time and could pose a safety risk to drivers. The rubber compounds in tires can break down over time, leading to cracking, dry rot, and other damage that can compromise their ability to grip the road, handle high speeds, and perform well in various weather conditions.
By knowing how to read tire date codes, drivers can make informed decisions about when to replace their tires and avoid potential safety hazards on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Years Do Tires Expire?
Tires expire after six years from the date of manufacture, regardless of the amount of wear or use. This expiration date is based on the fact that tires are made of rubber, which can degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Are 7-Year-Old Tires Safe?
It depends. As a general guideline, many tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6 years, regardless of their tread depth or appearance. However, if a tire has been well-maintained, stored in a cool and dry place, and has not been exposed to excessive sunlight or heat, it may still be safe to use after 7 years.
Are 10-Year-Old Tires Safe?
No. After 10 years, the risk of failure increases significantly. Even when the tires may appear to be in good condition after 10 years, the internal structure may have deteriorated, and it’s more likely to fail under normal driving conditions.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the Michelin tire DOT code decoder can be useful for any vehicle owner. It allows you to determine the age of your tires and ensure that they are safe for use on the road, so keep my advice in mind.
