What to pack before making a purchasing decision
Tires should be included in the vehicle inspection before the auction bid is determined. The result should be a brief record of each wheel: what is installed, what data is visible, and what needs to be inspected. A general photo of a car auction ad leaves many questions unanswered.
Ask for separate, clear photos of the sidewalls, tread, and tire data plate. Label each wheel with the position: front left, front right, rear left, rear right. If you have a spare tire, add it to the list. This will make it easier to compare notes and photos after delivery.
How to read the manufacturing date
Continental explains: The last four digits of the DOT code indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured. The first two are the week number, the last two are the year. It is not the month or date it was installed on the vehicle.
A hypothetical example: The ending 2322 means the 23rd week of 2022. This is a fictional example of the marking, not the WonderCar's data. It cannot be used to determine the date the tire was sold or the mileage it has traveled.
According to the NHTSA, the full tire identification number with the date can only be on one sidewall. If the last digits are missing from the photo, ask for an additional angle through the viewfinder. Do not add the date after the year of the car or the marking of the adjacent wheel. Mark illegible code as unverified.
Tire age and usage period are different data
Michelin recommends having your tires thoroughly inspected by a professional at least once a year after five years of use. The manufacturer also recommends preventive replacement after ten years from manufacture, including the spare tire, regardless of the remaining tread. For factory tires, you should also follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
These recommendations do not imply a guaranteed suitability for use beyond ten years and are not a universal rule of law in every country. If the history of use is unknown, the DOT date will not restore it. Record separately the known date of manufacture and the absence of a confirmed date of commencement of use.
Do not infer the mileage of a vehicle based solely on the age of the tires. As part of this inspection, you are establishing the installed set; the mileage history should be verified separately.
What to give to a specialist for assessment
Michelin draws attention to cuts, cracks and swelling of the sidewalls: visible damage requires immediate professional inspection. Unusual vibrations or changes in handling also require investigation, even if the tread appears adequate. A photo does not confirm the absence of internal damage.
For remote viewing, prepare the following tasks:
This is an editorial request template, not a report of the inspection performed. If there is damage or the condition is unknown, coordinate safe movement of the vehicle with the inspector and the carrier prior to the trip.
- Record the make, model, size, and date of manufacture of each tire.
- Measure the remaining tread and record the results separately for each wheel.
- Take photos of accessible sidewalls, uneven wear, and visible damage.
- Indicate which areas could not be inspected and what additional checks are required.
- Provide a conclusion on further use or replacement, not just a list of photos.
Check the size and recommended pressure
NHTSA recommends that you determine the correct tire size by referring to your vehicle owner's manual or the Tire and Loading Information label near the driver's door. The installation of a set of tires does not, in itself, confirm the correct size. If there are any discrepancies, have a professional check the tire size against the manufacturer's specifications for your specific vehicle.
The recommended pressure is also taken from the vehicle's placard or manual, not from the maximum tire pressure label. NHTSA recommends checking it when the tires are cold — after at least three hours of non-use. The lack of a pressure monitoring system warning is not a substitute for checking with a gauge.
How to take the result into account in the purchase plan
Summarize the inspection with three points: confirmed data, unresolved issues, and work required. If replacement is recommended, request a separate quote for compatible tires and installation. Mark it as undetermined until the cost is available so it doesn’t get lost in the overall budget.
Through the WonderCar application form, you can discuss the selection of the car and the available scope of inspection before purchase. Have a link to the auction announcement of the car and this list of questions ready. The goal is to find out in advance what confirmations are needed for the decision and what costs still need to be estimated.
