Tire Technician how-to

How to Read a Tire DOT Date Code

Old tires can fail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Old tires can fail. In short: find; look; first, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Find the DOT code.

  2. Look at the last four digits.

  3. First two are the week.

  4. Last two are the year.

  5. Check age.

  6. Advise the customer.

Safety reminders for tire technicians

  • Use inflation cages for large tires
  • Use lifts correctly
  • Wear eye and hearing protection
  • Lift safely

Bead · TPMS · Balancing · Rotation · Tread depth · Plug-patch: see the full tire technician glossary.

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