09/02/2026
Your tires have a date of manufacture stamped into the sidewall. Look for the letters “DOT”, followed by a series of numbers. The last four digits tell you when the tire was made:
➡️ First 2 numbers = week it was made
➡️ Last 2 numbers = year it was made
And here’s the important part: tires age even when they aren’t being driven. Over time, heat, sunlight, ozone and normal use can cause the rubber to harden, dry out and develop cracks. As tires age, they can lose flexibility and traction, increasing the risk of tire failure.
⚠️ Many vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires around 6 years of age, regardless of tread depth. Six years isn’t a universal federal expiration date, but it is an important age at which your tires should be carefully evaluated.
Don’t just look at the tread—check the age, too!
Your tires are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road. 🛞
Bring your vehicle to Car Craft of Athens and let us help you make sure your tires are safe and road-ready!
