HSSE Moment

1. HSSE Moment • TYRE AGE • How to find out whether your tire has expired? Check for a stamp like this on the tire sidewall: (2603) • The first two numbers 2 6 will tell which week of the year has it been manufactured. The last two numbers represent the year of make. Therefore, *2603* shows that the tire is manufactured in the 26th week of the year 2003. • Before 2000, the date code had three digits. Since 2000, it has had four. • Check all your tires for safety purposes. Do not use old tires. They are likely to burst (especially when running in hot weather) because the rubber component may have hardened and cracked. • The date of manufacture is essential information for car owners and tire buyers because tires deteriorate even if they are not used. European automobile manufacturers recommend replacing ANY tire that is more than six (6) years old, including the spare tire. No such recommendations have yet been made by US manufacturers. 1

2. HSSE Moment This 15 year old tire was rotten and failed at 70 mph on the highway. Fortunately, the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and did not crash. Others have not been so lucky. 4002 means Date of Manufacture is Week 40 of year 2002. 2