When it comes to buying tires in the UAE, what is often overlooked is the Tyre Date Code. Many drivers pay attention to brand names, tire sizes or tread patterns, which is fine, we just think that the production date of a tire, which is very important, is what gets left out. In a climate like we have in the UAE, which sees very high road temperatures and rubber that breaks down faster, buying an old tire that may look like it is brand new is a safety issue. At Tire Salun, we think that tire awareness begins with the sidewall, which has that info on the tire’s manufacturing date and how fresh the tire is.
Why Tyre Date Code Matters for UAE Drivers
The Tyre Date Code, which is a four-digit number located on the side of each tire, is a part of the DOT code, which reports the precise week and year of the tire’s manufacture. For example, a code of 1822 means the tire was made in the 18th week of 2022. This info is key in avoiding tire expiry issues. In the UAE, tires that are over 5 years old from the date of manufacture are not only considered a risk to drive on but are also banned for use on the roads by law.
Extremely high temperatures, dry air, and long hours on the road speed up tyre wear. Even when the tread looks new, the rubber’s elasticity breaks down, which in turn causes cracking, sidewall weakness, and reduced grip. That’s which it is as important to know the age of the tyre from its date code as it is to check its physical condition.
Tyre Age vs Tyre Usage – What You Need to Know
Many consumers think that a tyre’s life begins at the point of installation, which is not true. The countdown begins from the date of manufacture, which is printed on the tyre. Also, a tire that is in a shop or storage is still going through the engagement process. By the time a tire reaches 5 years of age, the rubber begins to break down, which may have happened even if the tire never hit the road.
This is an issue of tyre age, which we pay attention to. In the UAE, we see some sellers trying to get rid of old stock by passing off worn-out products as good as new. You may think you’re buying brand-new rubber when, in fact, you’re getting something that has half of its use-by date left. At Tire Salun, we guarantee you get fresh products with us, also we are very much into transparency and safety.
What to look for on the Tyre Side Wall
The sidewall of your tire is important information. Go to the DOT code, which is usually on one side of the tire and look at the last four digits. That is the week and year of manufacture. For ex, “4319” means the tire was made in the 43rd week of 2019. Also, check all four tires as some may be from different batches or shipments.
Checking that tyre date codes are a must in your pre-purchase check-up up which also includes when you are at the discount tables during seasonal clearance. It is a good idea to go for tyres which had a manufacture date of not more than a year back for best results. Tyres that are over 2 years old should be passed on unless they are at a great price and still pass safety, which they may not.
At Tire Salun, we have experts who are at the ready to help you out with that which you do not understand regarding tire markings, and we give you peace of mind. We are in the business of more than just selling tires; we are here to inform and guide you to the best solution for your safety and performance needs.
Always check the date of the tire before purchase at Tire Salon. We guarantee to have fresh stock.
Issues Related to Tyre Expiry in the UAE
In the UAE, it is a requirement that tires be no more than five years from manufacture, which is a component of their road safety regulations. Also, it is reported that cars with past due tires are not going to be registered for renewal and may also see charges brought or fail at the inspection. Also, what is very serious is that tire expiration does present safety issues, which include blowouts, poor traction, and braking failure.
If you purchase tires from unauthorised dealers or an online store, always present yourself with the tire date code. Do not let low prices or fancy marketing tactics away you from all that goes into your decision; your family’s safety is the most important. The best way to avoid being taken in is through education and being alert. At Tire Salun, we maintain current inventory, comply with all regulations, and are fully traceable.
Don’t take the chance at Tire Salun, we offer only tires that are 100% within safe age parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the tire date code located?
The tire date code is a 4-digit number on the side that notes the week and year of manufacture. You will find it at the end of the DOT code.
At what point is a tyre too old in the UAE?
Tyres that are over five years from the date of manufacture are deemed to be worn out and are illegal for use on UAE roads.
Can unused tyres still expire?
Yes. Tyre life is affected by the date of manufacture, as well as what is stored in a warehouse. Rubber deteriorates over time, during which your tires may be sitting.
Is it ok to purchase tyres that are 2 or 3 years old?
It is best to buy tires that are less than a year old. Two-year-old tires may be fine if they are stored properly and vary very much in price, but also always check them over.
Do tire shops have to inform you of the manufacturer’s date?
Reputed shops at Tire Salun will put that info out there. If a seller doesn’t put forth the date code, that is a red flag.
