Ever wondered if car tyres have an expiry date? This guide explains how to check your tyre’s age using the DOT code, why it matters, and when to replace old tyres. Learn how regular inspections and understanding tyre markings can keep you safe and compliant on the road.
When glancing at a car tyre, you will not see a printed expiry date like the kind of one you might find on a consumable product.
However, that’s not to say that tyres last forever. Far from it.
Understanding the DOT
Most car tyres that you look at will have a DOT printed on the sidewall, alongside other information relating to the size and various ratings of the tyre.
The DOT is a code, printed on the tyre, that lets you calculate its age.
The date code is a series of four numbers, found at the end of the tyre serial number: for example 3519.
The first two numbers represent the week of the year, and the second two numbers indicate the year.
In this example, the tyre was manufactured in the 35th week of the year 2019.
Why Does the Date Code Matter?
The date code lets you know when the tyre was manufactured, but what do you do with that information?
It really depends on the type of vehicle you drive and how often you drive on the tyres.
Most tyres are recommended for annual professional inspection once they surpass 5 years of age. Those who drive regularly and over long distances will need to replace tyres far earlier than those who only drive very sporadically – with the wear and tear on a tyre more important than its age.
Having said that, commercial vehicles cannot be driven with tyres over 10 years of age.
And if any tyres were manufactured prior to 2000, they should be replaced.
