Want to avoid tire burst? Read the secret DOT code of the tire like this and know its real age
A shiny new car running on the road, but its tires are 5 years old. This is not a story, but the reality of millions of Indian drivers. Every year thousands of accidents occur due to tire burst, in which hundreds of lives are lost. The age of a tire is determined not only by the depth of the tread but also by the date of its manufacture and to find out its life, a ‘secret code’ is written on the tire itself.
The statistics of road accidents in India is scary. However, the number of accidents caused by tire burst is less. In recent years, incidents of tire bursts have increased on expressways and highways. This problem becomes worse in summer in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. In summer, rubber becomes soft, air pressure increases and if the tire is old, the risk of bursting increases manifold.
Old tire in new car, how?
Now the question is, how does the old tire fit into the new car? Old stock is sold in many showrooms. Dealers sometimes sell 2-3 year old tires as ‘new’. The spare tire available is usually only 4-5 years old. This problem troubles even more those who buy used cars. Tire companies themselves say that the age of a tire should not exceed 5-6 years, even if 70% of the tread is left. The chemicals present in rubber dry up over time, crack and prove fatal at high speeds.
What is ‘Secret Code’ and how to read it?
The DOT code is printed in small letters on the sidewall of the tyre. This is the code of the Department of Transportation, but the BIS standard in India is also based on it. The code goes something like this: DOT ABCD 2219.
The last four digits are most important: WWYY
WW = week
yy = year
Example
2219 = 22nd week of 2019 (created in May 2019)
0524 = 5th week of 2024 (created in February 2024)
This code is on both sides of the tyre, but it can be full on one side and half on the other. Just look carefully. Experts always recommend getting a 5 year old tire checked every 6 months and changing it after 6-7 years. Companies like Michelin, Bridgestone and Apollo also say the same.
How to avoid the danger of tire burst?
- While buying a new tyre, definitely check the DOT code, do not buy an old one.
- Check tire pressure every month. Less pressure produces more heat.
- Do not overload. This is a common problem on Indian roads.
- Do not maintain speed more than 80-100 km/hr in summer.
- If cracks, swelling or bulbous bulges are seen in the old tyre, replace it immediately.
- Also check the spare tire from time to time.
Lack of awareness is the biggest problem. People look at the tread, but not the age of the tyre. The safety of your new car is not only related to airbags or ABS, but also to the age of the tyres. Next time before sitting in the car, look at the sidewall and read that ‘secret code’. A small code will keep you and all the passengers in your car safe.
