A tyre with good tread depth can still be dangerous if it's old enough. Here's how to find your tyre's manufacture date — and when age alone should trigger a replacement.
Most drivers replace tyres when the tread wears down. Far fewer check their tyre's age. But rubber degradation is real — and a tyre that looks perfectly serviceable can be dangerously brittle if it's more than five or six years old.
Where to Find Your Tyre's Age
Every tyre carries a DOT (Department of Transportation) code stamped into the sidewall. The last four digits of this code tell you the manufacturing date. The first two digits are the week, the last two are the year. So "2319" means the tyre was made in the 23rd week of 2019.
What Age Means for Safety
Tyre rubber contains a range of chemicals that keep it pliable and grippy. Over time — regardless of mileage — these chemicals evaporate and the rubber begins to harden and crack. This process accelerates with UV exposure, heat, and ozone.
The visible signs of aged tyres include fine cracks on the sidewall (crazing) and a stiffness to the rubber when you press it with your thumb. An old tyre may pass a tread depth check but perform significantly worse in wet conditions and be at far greater risk of sudden failure.
Industry Guidelines
Most tyre manufacturers, including Michelin and Continental, recommend replacing tyres after 10 years from the date of manufacture regardless of apparent condition. Many safety experts recommend a more cautious limit of 6 years. For spare tyres — which are driven on rarely but stored in varying conditions — 7 years is a commonly cited maximum.
What to Do
Check the date codes on all four tyres plus your spare. If any are over six years old, book mobile tyre fitting and have them replaced. It's a straightforward job and the peace of mind is worth it.
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