What does DOT code 5118 mean?

DOT code 5118 indicates the tire was manufactured during week 51 of 2018 (December). This tire is approximately 7.7 years old.

Is a 7.7-year-old tire safe to drive on?

A 7.7-year-old tire has a safety index score of 23%. The tire is in a critical high-risk replacement window and should be changed.

Will DOT 5118 pass vehicle safety inspection?

A tire stamped DOT 5118 will pass annual vehicle inspections provided tread depth exceeds 1.6mm (2/32") and no visible sidewall bulges or deep cracks are present. However, compound hardening at 7.7 years affects wet stopping distance.

Where is the 4-digit DOT date code located?

The 4-digit DOT date code is stamped on the outer sidewall of the tire, immediately following the letters "DOT" and manufacturer plant codes.

🇺🇸 US DOT BATCH REPORTHIGH RISK / EXPIREDSERIAL REF: #5118

BATCH TELEMETRY:
DOT SERIAL 5118

This technical telemetry report examines tire production batch 5118, manufactured during the 51th week of 2018 (December). Operating at a calculated age of 7.7 years, the structural integrity and polymer elasticity of this serial series have been evaluated against NHTSA and NASCAR safety benchmarks.

PIT TIRE SAFETY INDEXEXPIRED / REPLACE

35%HIGH RISK

CALCULATED AGE7.7 Years

MANUFACTUREDWK 51, 2018

Pit Assessment: Structural rubber life limit exceeded! Hardened rubber compound elevates blowout risk at high speeds.

Manufacture Date

W51 / 2018

December Batch Output

Compound Age

7.7 Years

Natural Vulcanization Progress

Safety Index

23%

High Risk Category

PIT CREW CHIEF VERDICT

"At 7.7 years old, batch 5118 (December 2018) exceeds the maximum 6-year safety ceiling recommended by Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, and the U.S. NHTSA. The rubber compound has hardened significantly, elevating blowout risk at high speeds."

Estimated Wet Braking Impact+25% to +40% Wet Braking Distance

Pit Crew RecommendationImmediate replacement strongly recommended prior to high-speed travel.

REGULATORY GRADING FRAMEWORK

STANDARDIZED LABELLING METRICS

Cross-reference batch age with standardized grading for rolling resistance, wet grip index, and pass-by exterior noise.

REGULATION (EU) 2020/740 COMPLIANT

European Union Tire Label Metrics

⛽ Fuel EfficiencyISO 28580

DActive

9.1 - 10.5 kg/t (Higher fuel consumption)

Grade ScoreClass D

🌧️ Wet Grip SafetyISO 23671

CActive

1.25 - 1.39 (Standard wet safety)

Grade ScoreClass C

🔊 Exterior NoiseUNECE R117

74dB

Moderate (Complies with EU limits)

Noise ClassClass 3

FIELD GUIDANCE & TRACK SCENARIOS

REAL-WORLD IMPLICATIONS FOR DOT 5118

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INSPECTING USED VEHICLES

If inspecting a pre-owned vehicle fitted with DOT 5118 tires, note that you are looking at rubber manufactured 7.7 years ago. Because the rubber compound has hardened, request a tire replacement credit or discount from the seller.

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TRUNK SPARE TIRE ASSESSMENT

Found DOT 5118 on your emergency spare? Unused rubber still oxidizes due to ambient temperature swings and ozone in the trunk. Treat this spare strictly as a temporary emergency limping wheel under 45 mph.

← DECODE ANOTHER DOT CODEBatch #5118 US DOT Telemetry Record