Tyres · DOT code
How old are your tyres?
The sidewall carries a DOT code. Its last 4 digits tell when the tyre was made. We show the age and how much age and worn tread lengthen the braking distance.
The digits are in an oval frame after the letters DOT. The first two are the week, the last two the year: 2319 = week 23 of 2019.
Enter the digits to see the tyre age right away.
How to read the DOT code
The DOT code is on the sidewall. At the end, in an oval frame, are 4 digits: the first two are the production week, the last two the year. 0821 means week 8 of 2021, i.e. February 2021. If there are only 3 digits, the tyre was made before 2000. The code is usually on one side only, so check the inner side too if needed.
Why age matters
Rubber hardens even when the tyre is not used. Harder rubber grips worse on wet and cold roads. Tyre makers recommend checking tyres older than 5 years every year and replacing them at 10 years at the latest. Tread depth matters even more: worn tread cannot clear water or snow from under the tyre.
How we calculate
The same calculation as the calculator. We compare an average new tyre (wet grip class C) with your tyre at the age and tread you entered. The car is the one you chose in the calculator, otherwise a VW Golf 8. See the result for your exact tyre in the calculator.