Replacing Tyres: What to Know About Tyre Age and Wear

Tyres don’t last forever. Over time, rubber compounds age, tread wears down, and performance gradually declines — even with careful driving. Knowing when to replace your tyres is essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and control on the road.

Fast Facts: When to Replace Tyres

• 🔹 Minimum tread depth: Replace your tyres when tread depth falls below 1.6 mm — the legal limit in most countries.

• 🔹 Wet and snowy conditions: The less tread you have, the greater your risk of aquaplaning and reduced braking performance.

• 🔹 Tyre age: Replace all tyres (including the spare) if they are more than 10 years old.

• 🔹 Age check: Look for the “DOT” code on the tyre sidewall — it tells you exactly when the tyre was made.

Why Tread Depth Matters

Tyre tread isn’t just about traction — it’s your car’s first line of defence in bad weather.

• On wet roads, worn tread means longer braking distances and an increased risk of losing grip.

• On snow or slush, shallow tread can’t bite into the surface, leading to dangerous sliding or spinouts.

Tip: Regularly inspect your tread wear indicators (small raised bars in the grooves). If the tread is level with these bars, it’s time for replacement.

How to Check Tyre Age

You can tell a tyre’s age from its DOT (Department of Transportation) marking on the sidewall.

Example:
DOT XXXXXXX2714

• 27 → Manufactured in the 27th week of the year

• 14 → Manufactured in 2014

So, this tyre was made in June–July 2014.

Older tyres (pre-2000) use three digits instead of four. In the 1990s, a small triangle (◄) followed the code — for example, DOT XXXXXXX274◄ indicates the 27th week of 1994.

How Tyres Age

Even if tread depth looks fine, tyres degrade over time due to:

• Heat and UV exposure

• Ozone and air pollution

• Under- or over-inflation

• Improper storage

• Driving style and road conditions

Rubber hardens and cracks as it ages, reducing flexibility and grip. That’s why tyre age is just as important as tread wear.

Caring for Tyres to Extend Their Life

You can’t stop tyres from aging, but you can slow the process and maximise their lifespan. Follow these tips:

• Check tyre pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level.

• Rotate tyres every 5,000–10,000 km (3,000–6,000 miles) to promote even wear.

• Maintain wheel alignment to prevent uneven tread wear.

• Inspect for visible damage — cracks, bulges, cuts, or embedded debris.

• Store tyres properly when not in use — in a cool, dry, shaded area away from chemicals or heat sources.

• Monitor ride quality — vibration, pulling, or unusual noise may signal imbalance or damage.

When Tyres Reach 10 Years of Age

Even if tyres appear to be in perfect condition, age alone can make them unsafe.
After a decade, rubber deterioration may be invisible but still serious — causing reduced grip or even structural failure.

Continental and other leading tyre manufacturers recommend replacing all tyres older than 10 years, regardless of appearance or tread depth.

Some car makers may set a shorter recommended age limit based on their vehicle’s specifications — always follow their guidance.

The Bottom Line

Tyres are your car’s only contact with the road — about the size of a postcard per wheel.
To stay safe:

✅ Check tread depth regularly.
✅ Replace tyres that are worn, cracked, or over 10 years old.
✅ Keep pressure, balance, and alignment in check.
✅ Consult a professional if unsure — especially before long trips or seasonal changes.

Proper tyre care isn’t just maintenance — it’s safety.