Tire date code decoder
Tires sold in the US carry a DOT code. Its last four digits tell you the week and year the tire was made. The date alone does not tell you whether a tire is still fit for use — that needs an inspection.
2318 = week 23 of 2018 (around June 2018).
Reading the full DOT code
A full code such as DOT U2LL LMLR 2318 has up to four parts: the plant code (2 or 3 characters), a size code, an optional manufacturer code, and the 4-digit date. Only the date is needed to know the age; the rest identifies the factory and the batch for recalls.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the DOT code on a tire?
On the sidewall, starting with the letters "DOT". The full Tire Identification Number can be on one side only, so you may need to look at the inner sidewall. The date is the last group of four digits.
What does 2318 mean?
Week 23 of 2018. The first two digits are the week (01–53) and the last two are the year.
Does the date code tell me if a tire is safe?
No. The code only tells you when the tire was made. Whether a tire is fit for use depends on its condition, storage, use, repairs and damage, and on the tire and vehicle manufacturers' own guidance — some of which includes age-based inspection or replacement advice. Have tires inspected by a qualified professional.
What about tires with a 3-digit code?
Tires made before 2000 used a 3-digit code: two digits for the week and one for the year within the decade. Any tire with a 3-digit date code is now more than 25 years old.
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