A four-digit tyre date code identifies the week and year of manufacture. “2526” means the tyre was manufactured in week 25 of 2026. It does not, by itself, decide whether the tyre is safe, damaged or suitable for a particular vehicle.
How to read the code
Continental explains that the final four digits following the DOT marking identify the manufacturing week and year. The first pair runs from week 01 to 53; the second pair is the year.
Manufacturing date is not purchase date
A tyre can be manufactured, transported, stored and sold at different times. Warranty programmes may count coverage from purchase, registration or manufacture depending on their specific terms. Workshops should keep the invoice, registration and complete tyre identification rather than relying on the date code alone.
Age does not replace inspection
Condition depends on storage, climate, pressure, load, damage, repair, use and maintenance. Inspect the tread, both sidewalls, bead area and any signs of cracking, bulging, deformation, separation or exposed material. Review pressure loss, vibration and service history.
Do not create a universal expiry date
Different vehicle manufacturers, tyre makers, fleets and warranty programmes may set different inspection or replacement guidance. A workshop should not invent one universal rule from the date code. Follow current product, vehicle and regulatory guidance and seek technical evaluation when uncertain.
Record the full identifier
The four date digits are only one part of the tyre identification. Claims and recalls can require the complete identifier, product pattern, size and photographs. Record the wheel position and tread depth at the same time.
A tyre’s date code answers “when was it made?” It does not answer every question about present condition.
Tyrestore workshops handling an eligible RoadShield product should review the programme’s current registration and documentation requirements.