Every tyre has a date code stamped on its sidewall, which tells you when it was manufactured. The code is made up of four digits:
For example, a code reading 2319 means the tyre was produced in the 23rd week of 2019.
Over time, tyres naturally deteriorate even if they haven’t been used much. This process is called tyre ageing and is usually spotted by tiny cracks – known as crazing – on the sidewall. The main cause is UV exposure, which breaks down the rubber by oxidising it. While tyres are designed with protective chemicals to slow this process, these compounds are only released when the tyre is in motion. This means tyres that spend long periods unused or stored incorrectly will age faster. Older vehicles with low mileage are particularly vulnerable, as owners often assume the tyres are fine simply because the tread looks good.
Ageing tyres lose their strength and flexibility, which increases the chance of sudden failure. To stay safe:
Tyres are classed as ‘new’ for up to five years from their production date, provided they’ve been stored correctly according to manufacturer guidelines. In fact, the tyre industry follows the widely accepted “5-year rule”, originally recommended by the German BRV. So, when purchasing replacements:
