How to Determine Trailer Tire Age and When to Replace

Published 05/13/2019

Question:

HOW DO YOU READ TIRES AGE

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

The date code of a tire is listed near the bead seat close to the wheel rim. You will find a DOT listing and the date of manufacture is the last four digits of the DOT code. The first two of these four digits are the week of manufacture, and the last two digits are the year. For example, if the last four digits of the DOT code are 2618, that means that the tire was manufactured during the twenty-sixth week of the year 2018.

Trailer tires should be replaced about every 6 or 7 years, even if the tread is still in good shape because they will deteriorate over time. The UV rays are a big part of this but tires can also crack or even dry rot making them dangerous if not replaced.

You may also want to check out our tire covers to protect your tires and extend their life. I've attached a link to that page for all size options.

expert reply by: Jason S