Tire DOT Code Calculator – Find Your Tire’s Manufacture Date
Tread depth isn’t the only thing that matters on a tire — age does too. A tire with plenty of tread left can still be past its safe service life if it’s old enough, since the rubber compound degrades over time regardless of how much it’s been driven. This calculator decodes that date for you from the number already molded into your sidewall.
Where to Find the DOT Code
Look for a sequence starting with “DOT” on the tire sidewall — it may only be on one side of the tire. It ends in either three digits (tires made before 2000) or four digits (2000 and later). This tool is built for the four-digit format: the first two digits are the production week, and the last two are the year.
For example, a code ending in 4012 means the tire was made in the 40th week of 2012.
The Calculator
📅 Tire Manufacture Date Calculator
* Enter the last 4 digits of the DOT code on your tire sidewall (First 2 digits = Week / Last 2 digits = Year).
How Old Is Too Old?
Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing a tire somewhere between 6 and 10 years from its manufacture date, regardless of remaining tread depth. Heat, UV exposure, and time all break down the rubber compound slowly, and a tire that’s been sitting — on a spare, on a trailer, or just not driven much — ages the same way one in daily use does.
This calculator only decodes 4-digit codes (tires made in 2000 or later). If your DOT code ends in 3 digits, the tire predates 2000 and is well past any reasonable service life already.
This tool gives you the manufacture date — it’s a starting point, not a substitute for a proper tire inspection. Cracking in the sidewall, uneven wear, or any visible damage means a tire should be checked by a professional regardless of its age.
If you’re working on your car this weekend, you can also browse the free vector decal templates on this site.
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