How old are your tyres?
Every tyre carries a four-digit date code that shows the week and year it was made. Rubber hardens and loses grip with age, so tyres have a service life even if the tread looks fine. Enter your code below to see exactly how old your tyres are and what to do next, or browse tyres by manufacturer if you already know they need replacing.
Find the DOT code
A string starting with DOT is moulded into the sidewall of every tyre.
Read the last four digits
The final four numbers are the week and year of manufacture, like 3619.
Replace by ten years
Inspect tyres yearly from five years old and replace them by ten, even if unworn.
Tyre Age Checker
Enter the four-digit date code from the end of your tyre's DOT number.
DOT date code
Try an example
How to read the tyre date code
On the sidewall you will find a code that starts with the letters DOT, followed by letters and numbers. The part that matters for age is the last four digits: the first two are the week of the year, and the last two are the year.
DOT U2LL LMLR 3619
Week 36 · Year 2019
So a code ending in 3619 means the tyre was built in the 36th week of 2019. Tyres made before the year 2000 use a three-digit code and are far too old to be in use. If you are not sure which numbers to read, a local fitter can check it for you.
How long do tyres last?
Age matters as much as tread. Rubber dries out and hardens over time, which reduces grip long before the tyre is worn out - so date and mileage both count.
Under 5 years
Generally fine. Keep an eye on tread depth and pressures.
5 to 10 years
Have them inspected by a professional at least once a year.
Over 10 years
Replace regardless of tread. Most makers advise against use beyond ten years.
This applies to spare tyres and caravan or trailer tyres too, which often fail from age rather than wear. When it is time to change, check the sidewall size first and compare tyre brands before you buy.
What makes tyres age
Tyres are made from rubber compounds that slowly change over time, a process called oxidation. Heat, sunlight and ozone in the air harden the rubber and can lead to fine cracks in the sidewall and tread, known as crazing or perishing. This happens whether the tyre is used or not, which is why an unused spare can still be unsafe.
Storage matters: tyres kept in direct sun, near heat, or on a vehicle left unused for long periods age faster. Alongside the date, check for cracking, bulges and uneven wear, and make sure you still have plenty of tread. To confirm the fitment when you replace them, decode your tyre size or compare alternative tyre sizes, then choose the right car tyres.
Tyre age FAQs
How do I check the age of my tyres?
Look at the sidewall for the DOT code and read the last four digits. The first two are the week and the last two are the year of manufacture. For example, 3619 means the tyre was made in the 36th week of 2019. Enter that code above and this tool works out the exact age.
Where is the DOT code on a tyre?
It is moulded into the sidewall and starts with the letters DOT, followed by a series of letters and numbers ending in the four-digit date. On many tyres the full code is only on one side, so check both sidewalls if you cannot find it.
How long do tyres last?
There is no single legal expiry date, but the widely accepted guidance is to have tyres inspected every year once they are five years old and to replace them by ten years, regardless of tread. Rubber hardens with age and loses grip, especially in the wet.
Are 10 year old tyres safe?
Most tyre and vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tyres that are ten years old or more, even if they still have tread and look fine. The rubber will have hardened and may crack, so a tyre this old should be replaced.
Do tyres expire if they are never used?
Yes. Tyres age from oxidation and exposure to heat, sunlight and ozone whether they are driven on or not. This is why a spare tyre or a caravan tyre that has barely turned a wheel can still be unsafe if it is old.
What does a four-digit tyre code mean?
The four-digit code is the manufacture date. The first two digits are the week of the year (01 to 53) and the last two are the year. Tyres made from the year 2000 onwards use this four-digit format; a three-digit code means the tyre was made in the 1990s or earlier.
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