Tyre Age Calculator

Find out how old your tyres are by entering the 4-digit DOT date code on the sidewall. Get a safety assessment and replacement recommendation based on manufacturer guidelines.

Enter DOT date code

Find the last 4 digits after "DOT" on your tyre's sidewall. The first 2 digits are the week, the last 2 are the year (e.g. 2423 = week 24, 2023).

WWYY — week (01–52) then year (00–99)

Tyre age result

Enter a valid 4-digit DOT code above to see the result.

Why Tyre (Tire) Age Matters

Tyres are made from rubber compounds that degrade over time through a process called oxidation. Even a tyre that looks fine on the outside — with plenty of tread depth — can have microscopic cracks forming in the internal structure. These cracks can lead to sudden blowouts, especially at motorway speeds or in hot weather.

Official Guidance

  • Under 3 years: Tyre is new. Normal inspection intervals.
  • 3–6 years: Monitor closely. Annual professional inspection recommended.
  • 6–10 years: Replace at next opportunity even if tread looks good.
  • Over 10 years: Replace immediately. Unsafe regardless of appearance.

These guidelines apply equally to "tyre" (UK/AU spelling) and "tire" (US spelling) — it's the same rubber, the same chemistry, the same risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Look on the sidewall of the tyre for the letters "DOT". The full DOT code follows, and the last 4 digits are the week and year of manufacture (e.g. 2423 = week 24 of 2023).

Most tyre manufacturers and safety organisations recommend replacing tyres after 6 years of service regardless of tread depth, and consider tyres beyond 10 years unsafe even if they look fine. Heat, UV exposure, and oxidation degrade rubber internally.

Tyres made before 2000 used a 3-digit code (week + single digit for decade). If you find a 3-digit code, the tyre is over 26 years old and must be replaced immediately.

Yes. Even if tyres have low mileage, the rubber compounds degrade over time due to oxidation and UV exposure. A lightly-used 8-year-old tyre can be more dangerous than a frequently-used 4-year-old tyre.

Absolutely. Spare tyres — especially compact "space saver" spares — are subject to the same age limits. Check the DOT code on your spare tyre at every annual service.