If you’re grappling with the challenge of deciphering your vehicle’s tyre age, fret not. This informative piece is precisely what you need. Understanding the age of your tyres boils down to two key elements: DOT (Department of Transportation) and TIN (Tyre Identification Number).
In our earlier discussions, we delved into the intricacies of Tyre DOT lookup. Building upon that, this article shines a spotlight on TIN (Tyre Identification Number), equipping you with comprehensive insights into understanding tyre age.
Let’s dive right in and unravel the mysteries of Tyre Identification Numbers.
Tyre identification number lookup
Unlocking the Secrets of Tyre Identification Number
It’s common for both consumers and manufacturers to overlook the significance of the tyre identification number embossed on tyres, let alone understand how to interpret it.
However, these seemingly TIN is a wealth of valuable information. They serve as a window into vital details such as tire production specifics, manufacturer locale, and much more.
Whether you’re an automobile owner or a tyre manufacturer, staying abreast of tyre identification numbers is paramount. Keeping yourself informed about their interpretation and related details ensures you’re well-equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding your tyres.
Where to find the Tyre Identification Number?
The tyre Identification Number (TIN) is written on the sidewall of the tyre. You can easily find this number by looking up there. This tyre identification number contains a lot of major information about your tyre that will help you to know about its manufacturing as well as how much longer you can use it.
Tyre Identification Number (TIN) is also known as the serial number. After 2009, all the tyres that were manufactured in the US came with the unique complete TIN (Tyre Identification Number).
These numbers are mentioned on the outboard side of a tire. Full TIN is mentioned on the outboard side of the tyre whereas the Partial TIN is mentioned on the inboard tyre.
Understanding the Tyre Identification Number
Here are the following points that will help you to know about the Tyre Identification Number (TIN). Let’s read ahead;
- Unraveling the Code
Tyre Identification Number (TIN) is not too hard to understand. This code is almost the same as the Tyre Verification Identification Number (VIN) and the serial number of the tyre. It will help to know about the batch code for those tyres that are sold in a set of four for a vehicle and help to know about the week and the year of the production of the tyre.
However, the last four digits help to identify the week and year of tyre manufacturing. Let’s discuss with an example, if you see a code written 6915 then it indicates that the tyre is made in the 69th week of 2015.
Legal implication in Canada
In Canada, the Department of Transportation and Transport Canada has its well-planned safety standards. A tyre Identification Number is a legal requirement that is needed for every country to place it on the sidewall of the tyre.
If you see a Maple leaf along the DOT code then it indicates that this tyre is made in Canada. Similarly, every country has its own specification and code details.
- Pre-2000 Challenges
Before 2000, all the tyres had three-digit codes in which the first two indicate that denoting week while the last one represents the decade. In those tyres finding the decade is hard. For example, if you find 241 written then it means that this tyre was made in the 24th week of 1991 or 1981.
However, all the tyres that came after 2000 come with a four-digit code. In which the first two digits indicate the week and the last two indicate the year of manufacturing. This made it easier to understand the year of decoding. For example, if you see 3321 then it means that their tyres were manufactured in the 33th week of 2021.
- Location matters
The Tyre Identification Number is typically located on the sidewall of the tyre. Some manufacturers put that number on the inner side to find their ease of installation. From the latest information from NHTSA, it is mandated to put the TIN information on both sides of the tyres. That will make it much easier to know about the age of the tyre.
- Visual Inspection
Besides codes, it is also important to inspect the tyres visually. If you find signs of aging and cracks on the side wall of the tire or other changes in dynamic properties then you should immediately call a professional and change the tyres.
Reveals the Identity of the tyre
The Tyre Identification Number holds beneficial information about your tire. Four groups will help you out in that case;
- Group 1: There are 2-3 numbers which represent about the factory code. These tires help to let you know about the location where the tyre was made.
- Group 2: there is a 2 2-character code that will let you know about the size of the tyre.
- Group 3: there are up to four character codes that show the type of tyre along with the manufacturer code.
- Group 4: There is a 4-number code in which two numbers are used to identify the week of manufacturing while the last two explain the year of decoding.
The Bottom Line
The discussion about Tyre Identification Number is over and we have discussed all the points that are necessary for you to know. We have discussed the way to learn and read the TIN that is mentioned on the sidewall of the tyre.
There are various groups that you need to know to gather and output the correct information. If there is still something left then you can read by clicking on the above-mentioned links.
Here is the wrapping of this today’s article. So, why are you standing here? Go and read the tyre identification number details of your vehicle and get to know about the age of your tire.