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Identifying age of tyres

Posted: 20 Jul 2021, 16:17
by jamesling
Hi all,

I've come across some tyres that whilst a bit dirty, I don't believe have had any use on them and look in great condition. However, I can't identify the age of them, there doesn't seem to be an obvious DOT code with the appropriate numbers. Image

Unless the 149 stands for 14th week of 1999 or 1989 etc?
They are Michelin Classic Radial X tyres I believe if that helps?

Cheers,
James

Re: Identifying age of tyres

Posted: 20 Jul 2021, 16:43
by Dobble
Hi James 

From what I remember if it's a 3 digit code it would be the week followed by the last digit of the year. In your case I think it's the 14th week of either 2019 or 2009. 

Cheers

Re: Identifying age of tyres

Posted: 20 Jul 2021, 19:03
by clift_d
That's March 2009, so it's over twelve years old - see here. I'd strongly recommend that you don't fit that tyre, and that you replace any others that have a three digit code.

Re: Identifying age of tyres

Posted: 20 Jul 2021, 19:19
by Dobble
From your link Clif it says:

"The three-digit code wasn't precise in terms of decades. For that reason, in 2000 the fourth digit was added and since then, the last two digits represent the year of manufacture."

So that would make the tyre 1999 vintage  :shock:

Re: Identifying age of tyres

Posted: 20 Jul 2021, 19:23
by jamesling
Cheers guys,

My suspicions were that it was likely from 1999, and if not probably still too old but wanted to get a second opinion.
Definitely won't be fitting them on! Seems a shame that they were never used sadly.

Re: Identifying age of tyres

Posted: 20 Jul 2021, 20:28
by clift_d
Dobble wrote:From your link Clif it says:

"The three-digit code wasn't precise in terms of decades. For that reason, in 2000 the fourth digit was added and since then, the last two digits represent the year of manufacture."

So that would make the tyre 1999 vintage  :shock:
That would be pretty shocking… 2009 would be bad enough.