Quick Answer
- Before buying a discounted tire, check four things on the sidewall: the DOT date code (NHTSA says some makers recommend replacing tires at six to 10 years; Michelin and Bridgestone say 10), the load index and speed rating against your vehicle placard, and the UTQG grades.
- Replacement tires should meet or exceed the load and speed rating your vehicle maker specifies (Michelin). The fifth check is the seller: ask for the tire's date code before you pay.
- This guide is not affiliated with any tire retailer; it uses statements from NHTSA, tire makers and vehicle manuals.
About This Guide
A discounted tire still has to match your vehicle. This guide walks through five checks to run before buying cheap or clearance tires: tire age from the DOT date code, load index, speed rating, UTQG grades and the seller. Statements come from NHTSA, Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental and vehicle owner's manuals. Use the free tools below at each step.
The 5-Check System: Verify This Before Buying Any Cheap Tire
A discounted tire is only a deal if the date code, load index, speed rating and UTQG grades are right for your vehicle. These five checks use statements from NHTSA, Michelin, Bridgestone and the vehicle manuals.
Check 1: DOT Age: Why a New Tire Can Still Be Old
NHTSA says some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of treadwear.
Age is calculated from the date code, so a tire can be new in the shop and still be several years old. Michelin recommends replacing tires in service 10 years or more, including spares, and Bridgestone recommends removing its tires from service after ten years. Vehicle manuals give their own limits, listed below.
Manufacturer Age Recommendations
| Maker | Guidance | Details |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA | 6 to 10 years | Some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old regardless of treadwear. |
| Ford, Mazda, GMC, Tesla | About 6 years | Owner’s manuals recommend replacing tires at about 6 years. |
| Toyota, Lexus | Check after 6 years | A tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician. |
| Audi | Absolutely necessary only | Tires over 6 years old should be used only when absolutely necessary. |
| Michelin | 10 years | Replace tires in service 10 years or more, including spares, even if they appear serviceable. |
| Bridgestone | 10 years | Remove its tires from service after ten years. |
How to Decode the DOT / TIN Code
Check 2: Load Index: Never Install Below Your Vehicle Placard
Michelin says a tire's load rating must always meet or exceed the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
The load index is a number that corresponds to the maximum weight a single tire can support when properly inflated (Michelin). Look it up in the table below, and find the vehicle's required value on the tire placard in the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Michelin: installing a tire with a higher load rating is permitted, but it does not increase the vehicle's maximum allowable load, which stays limited by the axle load ratings and manufacturer specifications.
Load Range vs. Load Index
Load index is the numeric capacity. XL and load range letters describe the construction used to reach it.
Load Index Reference Table (70–120)
Pounds for 90–121 are from Bridgestone's International Load Index table; values below 90 are converted from kilograms.
| Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Max Load (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 335 | 739 |
| 71 | 345 | 761 |
| 72 | 355 | 783 |
| 73 | 365 | 805 |
| 74 | 375 | 827 |
| 75 | 387 | 853 |
| 76 | 400 | 882 |
| 77 | 412 | 908 |
| 78 | 425 | 937 |
| 79 | 437 | 963 |
| 80 | 450 | 992 |
| 81 | 462 | 1,019 |
| 82 | 475 | 1,047 |
| 83 | 487 | 1,074 |
| 84 | 500 | 1,102 |
| 85 | 515 | 1,135 |
| 86 | 530 | 1,168 |
| 87 | 545 | 1,201 |
| 88 | 560 | 1,235 |
| 89 | 580 | 1,279 |
| 90 | 600 | 1,325 |
| 91 | 615 | 1,355 |
| 92 | 630 | 1,390 |
| 93 | 650 | 1,435 |
| 94 | 670 | 1,475 |
| 95 | 690 | 1,520 |
| 96 | 710 | 1,565 |
| 97 | 730 | 1,610 |
| 98 | 750 | 1,655 |
| 99 | 775 | 1,710 |
| 100 | 800 | 1,765 |
| 101 | 825 | 1,820 |
| 102 | 850 | 1,875 |
| 103 | 875 | 1,930 |
| 104 | 900 | 1,985 |
| 105 | 925 | 2,040 |
| 106 | 950 | 2,095 |
| 107 | 975 | 2,150 |
| 108 | 1,000 | 2,205 |
| 109 | 1,030 | 2,270 |
| 110 | 1,060 | 2,335 |
| 111 | 1,090 | 2,405 |
| 112 | 1,120 | 2,470 |
| 113 | 1,150 | 2,535 |
| 114 | 1,180 | 2,600 |
| 115 | 1,215 | 2,680 |
| 116 | 1,250 | 2,755 |
| 117 | 1,285 | 2,835 |
| 118 | 1,320 | 2,910 |
| 119 | 1,360 | 3,000 |
| 120 | 1,400 | 3,085 |
Check 3: Speed Rating: Match Your Vehicle Placard
Michelin says the speed rating is the maximum speed at which a tire can carry its maximum load under specified conditions.
Michelin says replacement tires should meet or exceed the speed rating specified by the vehicle manufacturer, and a higher rating than originally specified may be installed. Bridgestone says a speed rating is not a recommended travel speed.
| Symbol | Rated km/h | Rated mph |
|---|---|---|
| L | 120 | 75 |
| M | 130 | 81 |
| N | 140 | 87 |
| P | 150 | 93 |
| Q | 160 | 99 |
| R | 170 | 106 |
| S | 180 | 112 |
| T | 190 | 118 |
| U | 200 | 124 |
| H | 210 | 130 |
| V | 240 | 149 |
| W | 270 | 168 |
| Y | 300 | 186 |
Symbols L to T: Continental 2025 Truck, Bus & Trailer Product Data Guide. U, H, V, W, Y: Bridgestone and Michelin. See the Speed Rating Calculator for more.
Check 4: UTQG: What the Grades Mean
UTQG grades are assigned by the tire manufacturer under NHTSA's standard, 49 CFR 575.104. The treadwear number is explained on the treadwear grade and tread depth page.
UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) is a U.S. DOT/NHTSA system requiring most passenger tires to carry three grades: treadwear (numeric), traction (AA–C), and temperature (A–C). NHTSA defines the grading standard and manufacturers assign the grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of a tire on a specified government test course; a tire graded 200 should wear twice as long as one graded 100 on that course. Under 49 CFR 575.104 the grade is a multiple of 20. It is not a mileage figure. See the UTQG Explainer for the full regulation wording.
Traction Grades
Measured as a wet locked-wheel traction coefficient on asphalt and concrete test surfaces (49 CFR 575.104). It does not measure cornering.
| Grade | Asphalt coefficient | Concrete coefficient |
|---|---|---|
| AA | > 0.54 | > 0.38 |
| A | > 0.47 | > 0.35 |
| B | > 0.38 | > 0.26 |
| C | Below B | Below B |
Temperature Grades
Temperature grades heat resistance on a laboratory test wheel. Speed equivalents are calculated from the 67.23-inch wheel diameter.
| Grade | Test stage |
|---|---|
| A | Completes the 575 rpm stage (about 115 mph on the 67.23-inch test wheel) |
| B | Completes the 500 rpm stage (about 100 mph) but not the 575 rpm stage |
| C | Does not complete the 500 rpm stage; the level all passenger car tires must meet under FMVSS No. 109 |
Check 5: The Seller: What to Verify Before You Pay
A lower price does not change what the tire must meet. Verify the tire itself, whoever is selling it. If you are buying or selling a used set, the prorated tire value calculator estimates the value of the tread that is left, and the speed rating chart helps check the letter on the sidewall.
Where Discounts Come From
- ✓Manufacturer promotions: Tire makers run their own promotions and rebates from time to time. Check the current terms on the maker’s own site.
- ✓Retailer sales: Seasonal and promotional pricing is common. The sale price does not change what you should verify: date code, load index, speed rating and UTQG.
- ✓Older stock: Tires that have been in storage can be sold at a discount. Read the date code and compare it with the age guidance above.
Red Flags
- ✗No date code you can read: NHTSA says the date code is the last four digits of the DOT number. If you cannot find or read it, ask the seller before buying.
- ✗Load index or speed rating below the placard: Michelin says ratings must meet or exceed what the vehicle manufacturer specifies.
- ✗Visible damage: NHTSA says to stop using tires with cuts, cracks, bulges or irregular wear.
- ✗Tire age at or beyond the maker’s limit: Michelin and Bridgestone: 10 years; several vehicle manuals: about 6 years (see the table above).
What Any Buyer Can Check On-Site
5 Questions to Ask Any Tire Shop
1. Can you show me the DOT date code on each tire before mounting?
The last four digits of the DOT code give the week and year of manufacture (NHTSA).
2. Are these new tires, and what is the date code on each?
Ask the seller to state clearly whether the tires are new, and read the date code yourself.
3. What are the load index and speed rating on these tires, and do they match my vehicle placard?
Michelin says the load and speed ratings must meet or exceed what the vehicle manufacturer specifies (placard in the driver’s door jamb, owner’s manual).
4. Do these tires show any cuts, cracks, bulges or irregular wear?
NHTSA says to stop using tires that show signs of physical damage (cuts, cracks, bulges) or irregular wear.
5. What is the return, warranty and road hazard policy?
Terms vary by seller and tire maker; get them in writing before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 6-year-old tire with full tread better than a 2-year-old tire with less tread?
NHTSA says some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old regardless of treadwear, so tread depth alone does not show whether a tire is still suitable. Michelin recommends replacing tires in service 10 years or more, and Bridgestone recommends removing its tires from service after ten years. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for its own limit.
Can I use a lower load index than what my vehicle placard specifies?
Michelin says a tire’s load rating must always meet or exceed the value specified by the vehicle manufacturer, and that a lower load index than the factory specification should never be fitted. Installing a higher load index is permitted but does not raise the vehicle’s maximum allowable load.
Can I use a lower speed rating than my vehicle specifies?
Michelin says replacement tires should meet or exceed the speed rating specified by the vehicle manufacturer, and that a lower speed rating is not recommended unless the tires are winter-capable (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake), in which case the vehicle must not be operated above the tire’s maximum rated speed.
Who assigns UTQG grades?
Under 49 CFR 575.104, tire manufacturers grade their own tires: NHTSA sets the grading standards and tire makers assign the treadwear, traction and temperature grades. NHTSA describes the treadwear grade as a comparative rating based on wear rate on a specified government test course, so it is meant for comparing tires, not for predicting mileage.
How do I read the age of a tire?
NHTSA says the last four digits of the DOT tire identification number give the week and year of manufacture; for example 2319 is the 23rd week of 2019. Tires made before 2000 have a three-digit date code. The Tire Age Calculator decodes the code for you.
What tire damage means a tire should not be used?
NHTSA says to stop using tires that show signs of physical damage (cuts, cracks, bulges and similar) or irregular wear. Michelin and Bridgestone also advise having a tire inspected by a tire professional when you are unsure.
Disclaimer: All tools and information provided on TireCalculatorHub are for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified professional before making decisions about your vehicle's tires or modifications. TireCalculatorHub is not liable for any damages or issues arising from the use of information or tools on this website.