Does the age of a tyre matter?

Why tyre age matters

Even if the tread looks fine, the rubber compound in a tyre degrades over time. This makes age an important factor when assessing tyre safety.

What happens as tyres age

• The rubber hardens and loses flexibility, reducing grip on the road
• Cracking develops as the rubber dries out, particularly on the sidewall and in tread grooves
• The risk of sudden tyre failure increases as the internal structure weakens

Replacement guidelines

Most tyre manufacturers and safety organisations recommend replacing tyres after 5 to 6 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of how much tread remains. The absolute maximum recommended age is 10 years. Check the DOT date code on the sidewall to confirm your tyre's age.