How Old Is Too Old for a Tyre? Reading the DOT Code
Tyres do not just wear out – they also age. The rubber slowly hardens and can crack, even on a tyre with plenty of tread. This matters most for cars that do low mileage, caravans, trailers and spare wheels.
How to find a tyre's age
On the sidewall you will find a code starting with DOT. The last four digits show when the tyre was made:
- 2324 = week 23 of 2024
- 0519 = week 5 of 2019
The code may only be on one side of the tyre, so check the inside if you cannot find it.
Is there a legal age limit?
For cars, there is no legal maximum age for tyres in the UK. (Since 2021, tyres over 10 years old are banned from the front axles of lorries, buses and coaches, and from minibuses.) For cars, the common advice from tyre makers is:
- have tyres inspected every year from 5 years old
- replace tyres at 10 years old at the latest, whatever the tread depth
Signs an older tyre needs replacing
- small cracks in the sidewall or between the tread blocks
- bulges or bumps on the sidewall
- the rubber looks dull and feels hard
- the car has stood for a long time and the tyres have flat spots
Buying "new" tyres
A new tyre can sit in a warehouse for a while – that is normal, and a tyre up to a few years old that has been stored properly is considered new. If you would like to know the date of tyres we fit, just ask.
Check your tyres in Weymouth
Not sure about the age or condition of your tyres? Call in and we will check them, including the spare. See tyre fitting & supply, learn how to read a tyre size, or book online.
Common questions
How do I tell how old my tyres are?
Look for the DOT code on the sidewall – the last four digits are the week and year it was made, e.g. 2324 is week 23 of 2024.
Is there a legal age limit for car tyres?
Not for cars in the UK, but tyres should be inspected yearly from 5 years old and replaced at 10 years.
Can an old tyre with good tread be dangerous?
Yes – aged rubber can crack and lose grip, even with plenty of tread.
