A tire can have plenty of tread and still be too old. In South Florida, heat and strong sun age rubber faster. The good news: every tire tells you when it was made. Here is how to read it, from Los Paisas Tires Shop in West Palm Beach.
Where is the DOT date?
On the sidewall, find the letters DOT followed by a code. The last four digits are the date: the first two are the week, the last two are the year. Example: 2321 means the 23rd week of 2021. The full code is sometimes printed only on one side of the tire.
Why age matters in Florida
Rubber dries out over time. Heat, UV light, and long periods parked in the sun speed that up. Signs of an aging tire:
- Small cracks in the sidewall or between tread blocks
- Rubber that looks dull, gray, or hard
- Bulges or a tread that feels uneven
Many tire and vehicle makers recommend a close inspection once a tire is about 5 years old and replacing it by around 6 to 10 years, even if the tread looks fine. Check your vehicle manual for your maker's advice.
How we use the DOT date
When you buy used tires from us (from $65), we check the DOT date along with tread depth and the sidewall. Not sure about your current tires? Stop by and we will read the codes with you.
Key facts
- DOT date = last four digits: week + year of manufacture.
- Heat and UV speed up rubber aging; check older tires for cracks.
- Used tires from $65 at 1114 S Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33415, open 7 days, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Los Paisas Tires Shop, 1114 S Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33415 · (561) 429-4041 (call or WhatsApp) · open 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Service page: used tires. Related: used vs. new tires in Florida heat and used tire prices.
Questions
What does 1022 mean on my tire?
It was made in the 10th week of 2022.
My tire has good tread but it is 8 years old. Is it OK?
Have it inspected. At that age, especially in Florida heat, cracks and hidden aging are common, and replacement is often the safer choice.
Do you check the age of used tires?
Yes. The DOT date is part of our check on every used tire, together with tread and sidewall.