You’re standing in a tire shop or maybe crouched in your driveway, staring at your car’s tyres, wondering: “Are these still good… or am I rolling on borrowed time?”
It’s a smarter question than most drivers realize.
I’ve seen tyres with great tread fail on a hot Texas highway. I’ve also seen barely-used tyres crack because they were too old, not worn out. The truth is, tyre age matters just as much as tread depth—sometimes more.
If you’ve ever asked yourself how to check tyre manufacturing date, how to read a tyre date code, or whether your car tyre has quietly expired, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks it down in plain English, no fluff, no sales talk—just real-world advice from years around tyres, shops, and long road trips.
Why the Tyre Manufacturing Date Actually Matters
Most drivers think tyres only go bad when the tread wears down. That’s only half the story.
Tyres age from:
- Heat
- Sun exposure
- Ozone
- Sitting unused for long periods
Even if a tyre looks fine, rubber compounds slowly harden over time. Once that happens, grip drops—especially in rain—and the risk of sudden failure goes up.
Real-world example:
I once checked a customer’s SUV tyres in Arizona. Tread looked decent. DOT code showed they were 8 years old. Two weeks later, one blew out on I-10 at highway speed. That’s not bad luck—that’s chemistry.
Where to Find the Tyre Manufacturing Date on Your Tyre
Look for the DOT Code (This Is Key)
Every road-legal tyre sold in the US has a DOT (Department of Transportation) code molded into the sidewall.
You’ll see something like:
DOT X9L4 ABCD 3522
That last four-digit number is what you’re after.
How to Read Tyre Manufacturing Date (DOT Code Explained)
The Last 4 Digits Tell the Story
Let’s break it down:
Example: 3522
- 35 = 35th week of the year
- 22 = Year 2022
So this tyre was made in late August 2022.
That’s it. No charts, no apps, no guesswork.
Important Notes:
- Tyres made before 2000 used a 3-digit code (rare today and unsafe)
- If you only see DOT info on one side, the date may be on the inside sidewall—you might need to roll the car forward or check from underneath
How Old Is Too Old for a Tyre?
This is where opinions fly—but real-world guidelines stay consistent.
General Rule (Used by Most Shops & Manufacturers):
- Up to 5 years: Usually fine if stored and used properly
- 6 years: Start inspecting closely
- 7–10 years: Strongly consider replacement
- 10+ years: Replace immediately, regardless of tread
Even brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Yokohama agree—age matters.
How to Check Tyre Expiry Date (The Truth)
Here’s something tyre companies don’t always advertise:
👉 Tyres don’t have a printed expiry date.
Instead, the manufacturing date determines safe lifespan.
So when people ask:
- “How to check tyre expiry date?”
- “Car tyre expiry date?”
- “How long before tyres expire?”
The answer always comes back to the DOT date code.
How to Check Tyre Age on Your Car (Quick Checklist)
When checking tyre age on a vehicle—new or used—do this:
- ✅ Locate DOT code on all four tyres
- ✅ Confirm they’re not older than 5–6 years
- ✅ Make sure all tyres are close in age (mismatched dates affect handling)
- ✅ Check for dry rot, cracks, or hard rubber
If you’re buying a used car, this step alone can save you $800–$1,200 in surprise tyre replacements.
Buying New Tyres? Here’s What to Watch For
Yes—“new” tyres can still be old.
Tyres can sit in warehouses for years before being sold.
What I Recommend:
- Accept tyres less than 1 year old
- 2 years old? Ask for a discount
- Over 3 years? Walk away
A reputable tyre shop won’t argue with this.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make When Checking Tyre Date
❌ Confusing Tyre Size With Date
Numbers like 225/65R17 are tyre size—not manufacturing date.
❌ Checking Only One Tyre
Spare tyres and replacement tyres are often much older.
❌ Assuming “Good Tread = Safe Tyre”
Age-related blowouts don’t care about tread depth.
Does Tyre Brand Affect Manufacturing Date or Lifespan?
Whether it’s:
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Yokohama
- Continental
…the date code system is the same worldwide.
Premium tyres may resist aging slightly better, but no tyre beats time.
How Storage Affects Tyre Age (Big Difference)
Two tyres made the same week can age very differently.
Tyres Age Faster When:
- Parked outdoors
- Exposed to sun and heat
- Stored near electric motors (ozone)
- Left underinflated
Tyres Last Longer When:
- Stored indoors
- Driven regularly
- Properly inflated
- Rotated on schedule
Should You Replace Tyres Based on Age Alone?
Short answer: Sometimes, yes.
Replace tyres if:
- They’re over 7 years old
- You see sidewall cracks
- You drive in heavy rain or snow
- You take long highway trips
For city-only, low-speed driving, you might stretch it—but that’s a calculated risk.
Quick Tyre Date Code Cheat Sheet
| DOT Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4021 | October 2021 |
| 1519 | April 2019 |
| 0723 | February 2023 |
FAQs: Tyre Manufacturing Date & Age
How do I check tyre manufacturing date at home?
Look for the DOT code on the tyre sidewall and read the last four digits.
How to know tyre manufacturing year?
The last two digits of the DOT code show the year.
Is it safe to use 6-year-old tyres?
Possibly, if stored well and inspected—but replacement should be planned.
Do unused tyres expire?
Yes. Rubber ages even if the tyre is never driven.
Can I trust tyres with good tread but old age?
No. Age-related failures often happen without warning.
Final Thoughts (From the Road)
Tyres are the only part of your car touching the road. Everything—braking, cornering, wet grip—depends on them.
Checking the tyre manufacturing date takes 30 seconds, costs nothing, and can prevent:
- Blowouts
- Loss of control
- Costly accidents
It’s one of the simplest safety checks you’ll ever do—and one of the most overlooked.
