How old are my tires and how to read the DOT ?
What is the DOT?
DOT is short for Department of transport, the body that regulates which tires are made for and can be used on public roads in North America. The letters “DOT” are followed by eight to thirteen letters and/or numbers that identify where the tire was manufactured, tire size, and the manufacturer's code, along with the week and year the tire was manufactured
What is the maximum life expectancy of a tire ?
It is very common in the industry to receive tires that are 1 to 3 years old. Major manufacturers produce their tires overseas, and due to the production delay and transport time, tires often arrive in Canada several months after their production date. Because of the very seasonal Canadian market, the tires can sit on shelves for several more months.
As for the life expectancy of a tire, it is widely acknowledged in the industry that tires from major manufacturers should be replaced after 10 years if not worn out before (read more). However, after 5 years of use, tires should be inspected every year.
Our engagement
We source from all major Canadian tire suppliers who receive their stock straight from the manufacturers, ensuring the tires are as fresh as possible. It’s impossible to know the exact DOT date since the tires ship directly from our suppliers warehouses, but 95% of our inventory is under 18 months old, and our guarantee is maximum 36 months.
If you receive a tire older than 36 months, please contact our customer service for a free exchange.
Please note that your warranty starts from the date of purchase.
Tire manufacturers recommend a maximum life of 10 years from the date of manufacture and an average of 5 years from the date of installation.
How to find the DOT Code on your tire?
The production date (DOT Code) or the age of the tire is shown as 4 numbers, e.g., "3909," as illustrated in the picture below.
