At what age should tyres be replaced?

Tyre age replacement guidelines

Industry guidelines are clear on when tyres should be replaced based on age alone.

Recommended replacement

Most manufacturers and safety organisations recommend replacing tyres at 5 to 6 years old, even if the tread depth is still well within legal limits. The rubber compound deteriorates over time regardless of use or storage conditions.

Maximum age

The absolute maximum recommended age for any tyre is 10 years from the date of manufacture. After this point, the risk of failure is considered too high regardless of visual condition.

Checking the age

Find the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, 1524 means the tyre was made in week 15 of 2024. If you are buying new tyres, the stock you receive should be recently manufactured. If you have any concerns about the age of tyres you receive, check the DOT code on arrival.