How Old Is Too Old for a Car Tyre? How to Read the DOT Code
Updated 14 October 2026 · Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres team
Key facts
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Date code: tyres carry a date code moulded into the sidewall, often marked “DOT”. For tyres made after 1999 the last four digits give the week and year, so “3712” is week 37 of 2012. Source: TyreSafe, www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/car-tyre-safety/
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No fixed age: TyreSafe says some tyre and vehicle makers recommend a maximum age and that guidance should always be followed. Source: same page.
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Legal age rules: the Highway Code says tyres over 10 years old must not be used on the front axles of goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats. Source: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-6-vehicle-mainten
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Guidance: Continental recommends replacing all tyres, spares included, once they are over 10 years old, and the AA recommends replacement around every five years for cars. Sources: Continental, www.continental-tyres.co.uk/tyre-knowledge/tyre-age/ ; The AA, www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/tyre-life-and-age
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Tread still applies: the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Source: TyreSafe, first link above.
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Code location: the date appears on only one sidewall, so it may face inward. Source: Michelin, www.michelin.co.uk/auto/advice/tyre-basics/tyre-markings-exp
How do I read the DOT code?
Find “DOT” on the sidewall. The code ends in four digits. The first two are the week of manufacture and the last two are the year. Michelin’s example is 4714: the 47th week of 2014. The date shows when the tyre was made, not when it was fitted.
If you cannot see the code, check the other sidewall. It appears on only one side, so it may face the inside of the wheel arch.
Is there a legal age limit for car tyres?
For ordinary cars, no single law sets one. The age rule in the Highway Code applies to the front axles of heavy goods vehicles and larger passenger vehicles. A car tyre can still fail on condition: the MOT checks the tyre’s condition and tread depth.
Age or tread?
A tyre can have plenty of tread and still be too old to trust. TyreSafe says adverse environmental, operational or storage conditions can make replacement necessary before the tread reaches the legal limit. The reverse also holds: a young tyre worn to 1.6mm is at its legal limit.
| Age | Tread | |
|---|---|---|
| Measured by | DOT date code | Depth gauge or the 20p test |
| Legal rule for cars | No single maximum | 1.6mm minimum |
| Check | Date code, plus monthly checks for cracks and bulges | Tread depth |
See the legal tyre tread depth for how to measure it.
Do spare and stored tyres age?
Yes. TyreSafe says particular attention should be paid to tyres used infrequently, including those on spare wheels, trailers and caravans. Continental says spare tyres count too: a tyre over ten years old should be replaced even if it looks unused. Check the date code on your spare when you check the others.
What about part-worn tyres?
Part-worn tyres show age in the same way, so read the date before you buy. TyreSafe’s used-car advice is to check the DOT code on the sidewall to identify how old the tyres are, because older tyres may need replacing even if the tread looks fine. It also says a date stamp older than the car may indicate part-worn tyres have been fitted.
Checking tyre age in Gorton
At Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres, 270 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester M12 5FH, we are open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:30 and Saturday 9:00 to 16:30. If you cannot find or read the date code, ring 0161 274 3125. Our tyres in Manchester page covers fitting.
Buying used? See are part-worn tyres legal.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell how old my tyres are?
Read the last four digits of the DOT code: week then year. 3712 is week 37 of 2012.
How old is too old for a car tyre?
No UK law sets a limit for ordinary cars. Continental advises replacing by 10 years at the latest, and the AA suggests around five years. Check your handbook.
Does an unused spare tyre age?
Yes. TyreSafe says infrequently used tyres, including spares, need particular attention.
Can an old tyre pass the MOT?
The MOT checks condition and tread depth, not a stated age.
Where is the date code?
On one sidewall only, so you may need to look at the inner side.
Need tyres, an MOT or a repair in Gorton?
Ring the garage on 0161 274 3125 or come to 270 Hyde Road. We will tell you what the car needs before any work starts.
Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres, 270 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester M12 5FH. Open Mon to Fri 9:00 to 17:30, Sat 9:00 to 16:30.