How to read tyre age and date codes

Look for the letters DOT on the sidewall, then read the last four digits of that code. The first two are the week of manufacture and the second two are the year, so 2319 means the 23rd week of 2019.

That date tells you how old the tyre is, which matters because rubber hardens and cracks over time, even on a car that barely moves. Tread depth alone does not show you this.

Where is the date code on a tyre?

The code sits inside an oval or rectangle after the letters DOT. Tyres sometimes carry the full code on only one side, and the side that faces outwards may only show a shortened version, so you may need to look at the inner sidewall or ask someone to turn the wheel for you.

Torches and phone cameras help, because the moulding is low-contrast black on black. If you cannot find a four-digit group, move on to the next group of characters, as the manufacturing plant code and tyre size are also in the sequence.

What do the four digits mean?

Tyres made from the year 2000 carry a four-digit week and year code. Tyres made before that used three digits, which is another sign that a tyre is very old indeed and should not be on a road car.

Read the digits in two pairs. The first pair is the week, from 01 to 52, and the second pair is the last two digits of the year. A code of 4021 means the 40th week of 2021.

• First two digits: week of manufacture
• Last two digits: year of manufacture
• Three-digit codes belong to tyres made before 2000
• A missing or unreadable code is worth mentioning to your fitter

How old is too old for a car tyre?

There is no single legal age limit for car tyres, and the advice from tyre and vehicle makers varies. Many suggest having tyres inspected regularly once they are around five years old and not using them beyond about ten, but check your handbook and ask your fitter.

Age matters because rubber compounds dry out, particularly when a tyre lives in sunlight, in a damp spot or under a rarely driven car. Tiny cracks can show in the sidewalls or between the tread blocks, and the tyre may feel harder and less grippy even with plenty of tread left.

What should a garage check on an older tyre?

We look at the sidewalls and tread grooves for cracking, check for bulges and past damage, and compare the wear against the date code. A spare tyre that has never touched the road can be old too, so it deserves the same look.

If a tyre has a visible defect or is simply past the age you are comfortable with, the answer is replacement, not a repair. Cost depends on the tyre size and type, and on whether the car needs a full set, so ask for a quote and we can talk through the options. Bring the car with all its wheels accessible, including the spare if you carry one.

When should I stop driving on an old tyre?

Stop using a tyre with deep cracking, a bulge, exposed cords or any sign the rubber is separating. Vibration that appears suddenly or a tyre that keeps losing pressure for no obvious reason are also reasons to have it checked quickly.

If you are unsure about the age of tyres on a car you have just bought, bring it in. Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we are happy to look at the dates and give you a quote if anything needs changing.