Rubber ages. Heat, sunlight, ozone and time harden the compound and cause cracks, which can lead to tread separation or sudden failure. This matters most for vehicles that do low mileage, such as motorhomes, caravans, classic cars and second cars.
Where to find the code
Look at the sidewall for the letters DOT followed by a string of characters. The full code can include plant codes and size codes. The part that tells you the age is the last four digits, usually in a small oval. On some tyres the full code only appears on one side, and you may need to check the inner sidewall.
How to read the four digits
The first two digits give the week of the year, and the last two give the year. For example, 3422 means the 34th week of 2022, roughly late August 2022. A tyre showing 0509 would be much older, week 5 of 2009. Three-digit codes were used for tyres made before 2000, so if you see a three-digit date, the tyre is very old and should be replaced.
How old is too old?
There is no single legal maximum age for car tyres in the UK. However, tyre and vehicle manufacturers commonly advise that tyres should be inspected by a professional from around five years and that replacement should be considered at around ten years from the date of manufacture, whatever the tread depth. Some caravan and trailer groups advise earlier. Always check your manufacturer's instructions. The MOT tester can fail a tyre for cracking or damage, whatever its age.
Signs of an ageing tyre
- Fine cracks in the sidewall or between tread blocks.
- Hardened, brittle rubber.
- Dull or faded sidewall surface.
- Small blisters or bulges; see tyre bulge in the sidewall.
- Vibration that appeared without any obvious cause.
Do not forget the spare
A spare tyre that has lived under a car or in a boot for ten years can look brand new but be dangerously old. Check its date, pressure and condition. See spare wheel, repair kit or run-flat.
Tyres on low-mileage vehicles
If you own a motorhome, caravan or a car that sits for weeks, age is the main enemy. See motorhome tyres and caravan and trailer tyres. Even a tyre in storage ages, so buying a "new old stock" tyre without checking the date is a risk. Ask to see the DOT code before accepting any tyre.
Matching ages on an axle
Try to fit tyres of similar age on the same axle. A new and a ten-year-old tyre grip differently even when both have good tread. Our replace in pairs guide goes into this.
Getting an old tyre checked
If you are unsure about a tyre's age or condition, a technician can inspect it at your home or workplace as part of a mobile visit. See mobile tyre fitting and emergency tyre fitting. We cover areas such as Reading, Bristol, Glasgow and Croydon; see the areas list. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
Summary
Check the four digits, work out the age, inspect for cracks and replace old tyres even with good tread when advised by the manufacturer or a professional. Use how to read tyre sizes to read the rest of the code.
Example: reading three real-style codes
Suppose you see 1620 at the end of the code: week 16 of 2020, so mid-April 2020. A code of 4819 means week 48 of 2019, late November 2019. If you spot 2714 on a spare, that is week 27 of 2014, which makes the tyre more than ten years old by 2026 whatever it looks like. Take a photo of the code on each tyre when you buy new ones, so you have a record of age without crawling under the car later.
Buying new tyres: ask for the date
Tyres can sit in warehouses for some time before sale. A tyre a year or two old is usually fine if stored properly, but it is reasonable to expect fresh stock. Ask your fitter to confirm the age of the tyres supplied. When we fit tyres we check them before fitting, as a normal part of the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the tyre date on the sidewall?
After the letters DOT; the last four digits give week and year.
Is there a legal age limit for tyres?
Not a fixed one for cars in the UK, but manufacturers advise inspection from about five years and replacement around ten.
Does tread depth show age?
No. A tyre can have deep tread and still be dangerously old.
Can you check my tyres?
Yes. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
Call now for a quote, or book now online. Phone 0800 772 0355.