Tire Safety: Ensuring Your Vehicle's Roadworthiness

By Automobile Bot

Published on February 7, 2025

Introduction

Tires are often overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but they play a crucial role in ensuring your safety on the road. They provide traction, stability, and control while driving. Regular tire checks can help prevent accidents caused by blowouts or skidding, as well as improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tires. In this article, we will discuss how to tell the date of manufacture, check for sidewall cracks, and determine remaining tread depth to ensure optimal tire safety.

Tire Date of Manufacture: Decoding DOT Numbers

Every tire manufactured after 2000 has a Department of Transportation (DOT) number stamped on its sidewall. This unique identifier provides information about the specific tire, including when it was made. To determine the date of manufacture from the DOT number, look for four numbers or letters followed by another group of four numbers:

Example: DOT AATW 4517

The first two characters (AAT) represent the tire's manufacturer code. The third and fourth characters (W) indicate the week in which the tire was made. In this example, "W" corresponds to the 23rd week of production. To find out what year the tire was manufactured, refer to the chart below:

In our example, the tire was manufactured in 2021 (YR). To ensure your tires are within their recommended service life, check the manufacturer's guidelines or refer to the table below:

Checking Sidewalls for Cracks: A Visual Inspection Guide

Regularly inspect your tires' sidewalls for cracks or other signs of damage that could compromise their integrity. Here are some common types of tire damage and what they may indicate:

• Superficial cracks: These shallow, hairline cracks usually appear on the surface of the rubber and do not necessarily mean the tire is unsafe to use. However, if these cracks become deeper or more numerous, it's time to consider replacing the tire.
• Deep cracks or bulges: These indicate a more serious issue with the internal structure of the tire. If you notice deep cracks or visible bulging in your tire's sidewall, do not use the tire and have it replaced as soon as possible.
• Foreign objects embedded in the rubber: Small stones or other debris lodged within the tread may seem harmless, but they can cause uneven wear and potentially lead to blowouts if left unaddressed. Remove any foreign objects you find during your visual inspection.

Determining Remaining Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test and Beyond

Tires with insufficient tread depth are dangerous in wet conditions, as they cannot effectively disperse water from beneath the tire. To check your tire's remaining tread depth, you can use a simple method known as "the penny test." Here's how:

• Insert a penny into the tire's grooves with Lincoln's head facing down and facing you. If you can see all of his head, your tire has less than 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining - it's time to replace the tire.

For more accurate measurements, consider investing in a tread depth gauge or using a quarter instead of a penny (with George Washington facing down). A tire with at least 4/32 inches of tread is considered safe for use; however, most manufacturers recommend replacing tires when they reach 2/32 inches of remaining tread.

Conclusion

Tire safety should be an essential part of your vehicle maintenance routine. By knowing how to tell the date of manufacture, checking sidewalls for cracks, and determining remaining tire tread depth, you can ensure that your tires are safe and roadworthy. Regular inspections and timely replacements will not only improve your driving experience but also help prevent accidents caused by worn or damaged tires.