How old are your tires? Reading the DOT date code
The last four digits of the DOT code are the week and the year the tire was made. Past five years we replace it, whatever the tread says.
Questions about your bike? Call (719) 555-0147 and a person answers.
Tread depth tells you how worn a tire is. It doesn’t tell you how old the rubber is, and old rubber grips less, especially when it is cold.
Find the code
Look on the sidewall for the letters DOT followed by a string of characters. The last four digits are the date: 3220 means the 32nd week of 2020.
Five years, then replace
We replace motorcycle tires five years after the date code, even with tread left. The compound hardens with time and sunlight, and cracks show in the grooves first.
New tires need a few miles
New tires carry a release agent from the mold. Ride the first 100 miles gently, lean in gradually, and check the pressures cold the next morning.
Want us to do it for you? A person answers, Tuesday to Saturday.
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