Have you ever had trouble reading the DOT number on your tires or figuring out how to read tire date codes? If you've misplaced your purchase receipt, determining the exact age of your tires can be challenging. Fortunately, the answer is right on your tires. Here's how to decode those important numbers.
How to Read Tire Date Codes
Whether you're financing your tires with our no credit needed lease-to-own programs or purchasing them outright, understanding tire date codes is crucial. These numbers are found on the tire sidewall and can provide essential information about the tire's age and origin.
While a relatively simple concept, your tires have a great depth of variability and specifications. Written on their sidewall is a collection of numbers and letters, deciphering heaps of information. Many may wonder, what do the numbers on a tire mean? Below, we’ll outline each variable and how to read a tire.
Tire Type
The first set of letters on a tire will indicate the Tire Type. Simply put, the Tire Type letters showcase the tire’s classification.
P - P stands for passenger vehicles and, as such, will be the most common letter found on consumer tires. This class will include sedans, SUVs, smaller pickups, and minivans.
LT - LT tires are dedicated to light trucks. These wheels are better suited for the higher loads associated with vehicles designed to haul.
ST - You’ll find ST written on wheels for trailers.
You might find yourself asking when I need to replace my tires. On average, most tires are rated to have a life-span of between 25,000 and 60,000 miles before they need to be replaced. However, these numbers are general averages, type of tire, tire rating, and manufacture-patent tire compound can make a difference. A car owner's manual can include specific tire manufacture recommendations regarding how often and in what manner tires should be replaced for a particular model of car.
So when do you need to change your tires? You can determine if it’s time to change them by looking at two things: the tread depth and manufacture date.
When it’s time to replace your tires but you’re working with a tight budget, you’ve probably come across the terms used tires, take-offs, and blems (short for blemished tires). At first glance, they might sound similar—but they’re not the same. Knowing the differences can help you make a smarter, safer choice while saving serious cash.
What Are Used Tires?
Used tires are tires that have been previously driven on and then removed for resale. They can come off a vehicle for a number of reasons: lease return, accident damage, upgrading to a different size or brand, or replacing a single damaged tire and switching all four for a match.
Used tires vary in condition—some are barely worn, while others might be near the end of their lifespan. That’s why inspection is everything (more on that below).
What Are Take-Off Tires?
Take-off tires are basically the cream of the crop in the used category.
When it comes to buying new tires, there’s more to consider than just size and price. One of the most overlooked—but incredibly important—factors is the treadwear rating. This simple number can tell you a lot about how long a tire is expected to last and how it performs under various conditions.
In this article, we’ll break down:
What a treadwear rating is
How it’s measured
What the numbers actually mean
How treadwear ratings affect your driving experience and wallet
Common myths and misconceptions
How to use this information when shopping for tires online at Dan the Tire Man Let’s dive in!
What Is a Tire Treadwear Rating?
A treadwear rating is part of the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, which is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). You’ll typically find it on
Understanding tire size not only ensures you pick the right tires for your vehicle, but it also enhances your vehicle’s performance and safety. Whether you're looking for tires for a standard passenger vehicle, an ATV, or even a trailer, knowing how to interpret the codes on your tire sidewalls is crucial. This guide will explain these codes and help you navigate various tire size guide charts including those for ATVs, trailers, and different wheel and tire sizes.
Understanding Tire Size Notations
The tire size is a series of letters and numbers that provide specific information about the tire's specifications. Here’s a breakdown of what each segment represents:
1. Type Prefix: The tire size may begin with a letter that indicates the type of vehicle
Flat tires happen. They can happen at any moment in any location. They can be caused by a nail, screw, sharp rock or a multitude of other hazards on the road. No matter how the flat tire happens, it is nearly always a major inconvenience. So, the question is, “Can you drive on a flat tire?” If your flat happens in the middle of the highway, driving on it so that you are safe is smart, but going any further will be damaging to the wheel and increase the probability of a road accident. Read on to learn a little more about the dangers of driving on a flat tire.
Can You Drive On A Flat Tire?
The simple answer is no. Although, as mentioned above, drive so that you are not in traffic to the side of the road. Driving on a flat tire can put you and your passengers’ safety at risk, as well as damage your vehicle. When you attempt to drive on a flat tire, you’ll notice that your vehicle
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