The expiration date of a car tyre usually refers to the total period from the time the tyre is manufactured until it cannot be used again. There is no single opinion among tyre manufacturers on this issue. Someone estimates the usability of tyres in 5 years, others — in 10 years. In general, tyre wear depends on three fundamental factors: age, operating conditions and storage.

How can I find out the manufacturing date of a tyre?

The age of a tyre is indicated by a four-digit number on the sidewall, part of the DOT code, which encodes information about certificates, tyre size, and manufacturing date. The abbreviation DOT is short for US Department of Transportation. More details about it and other markings on the sidewalls of tyres are described in the material “Marking of tyres from A to Z”.

The first two digits contain information about the week of the year the tyre was produced, the last two digits indicate the year the tyre was manufactured. Behind the tyre manufacturing date symbol of "0720" is the 7th week of 2020.

The date of release of the tyre from the assembly line is indicated by a four-digit number: the first two digits are the serial number of the week, the last two are the year of production.

The tyre's age is determined by its manufacturing date stamped on the sidewall. Some mistakenly consider the purchase date, but this is not true.

How long can tyres be stored?

New tyre can be stored in warehouses for up to 3 years without losing performance if stored properly. However, verifying the correct storage conditions is challenging for tyre sellers. Neglecting storage rules can lead to rubber drying, loss of elasticity, and the development of microcracks, reducing tyre performance.

Tyre companies, including Michelin, conducted studies to debunk the notion of rapid tyre aging. Michelin's "Tyres are not bananas" campaign highlighted that properly stored 3-year-old tyres exhibited no substantial differences compared to new ones. Tests encompassing factors like high-speed handling and rolling resistance suggested that even 10-year-old unused tyres shared characteristics with lightly used rubber having a one-year lifespan.

Michelin's study concludes that tyres aren't perishable; their service life, starting from the installation date on rims, is more crucial than their expiration date. From installation onward, tires undergo various tests, including pressure, temperature changes and wear.

Other reputable tyre manufacturers, following similar studies, generally suggest that tyres can be stored for 3–5 years from the manufacturing date. These tires are marketed alongside newly released ones. However, if there are concerns about the seller's storage practices, it's advisable to opt for tyres produced within the last one or two years.

How long can you drive on the same tyres?

Tyres can be used safely for up to 7 years from the date of manufacture if there are no damages and the required remaining tread depth is maintained. Again, the service life of rubber is very conditional and different manufacturers interpret it differently. However, almost all of them agree that it is recommended to replace all tyres with new ones when they reach 10 years of age. It is not advisable to use older tyres on wheels.

Tyres with a manufacturing date less than 3 years ago are often sold as new.

As for the recommended service life, on average tyres can be guaranteed to be used for 5 to 6 years. After this period, the use of tyres is also allowed, but with mandatory inspection at the beginning of the season. The vast majority of tyres last for about 3 to 5 years, so there is no need to worry too much about their lifespan.

When should you replace your tyres?

So, depending on age, tyres must be replaced with new ones before its 10th “birthday”. The following indicators also show the need for tyres replacement:

  • wear on the tread until it reaches a remaining depth below 3 mm for summer tyres and below 4 mm for winter tyres;
  • the presence of microcracks in the tread and on the sidewalls;
  • frame deformation.

While legislative standards typically permit the use of passenger car tyres with a residual tread depth of 1.6 mm, it's crucial to note that even less wear negatively impacts vehicle handling. Therefore, we recommend considering tire replacement before reaching the specified limit. We've set our recommended threshold at 3 mm for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter tyres, as deterioration in handling is more noticeable when nearing the maximum permitted value of 1.6 mm.

It is important to regularly check the remaining tread depth of your tyres.

Strongly discourage using winter tyres in the summer season. They are designed for different temperature conditions, and employing them on hot asphalt can lead to increased braking distances and compromised handling, including poor response to steering wheel rotations and potential issues with the car's stability during turns.

Tyre storage conditions

The aging process of tyres is directly related to the storage conditions. If these conditions are followed, the tyres are guaranteed to have a longer life. First of all, make it a rule to place your tyres correctly:

Storing tyres without rims requires a different approach than storing already mounted wheels.

Tyres should be stored in dry, ventilated areas, trying to avoid direct sunlight. Direct light from the Sun, sudden and frequent temperature changes, high humidity — all these factors trigger the aging process of tyres.

Store tyres away from heat sources, corrosive materials, oils, lubricants, and flammable substances. Avoid proximity to chemicals, paints, open flames, and electric motors. Crucially, prevent kinks, stress, and placement on uneven surfaces.

How can tyres' life be prolonged?

Extending the life of your tyres is easy. Here are some practical tips to help extend the life of your tyres:

1. Make it a habit to check your tyre pressure regularly. The recommended tyre inflation pressure is specified on the sticker containing the permissible tyre size chart, typically found on the back of the glove compartment lid, door pillar, gas tank flap, or the end of the open driver's door. This pressure is dependent on tyre size, vehicle load, and speed limits, with all details usually provided on the sticker. Reduced pressure leads to increased tyre tread wear proportionate to the percentage decrease.

2. Do the balancing on time. Regularly inspect tire mounting angles, especially during seasonal tyre changes. Unbalanced tyres lead to uneven wear and can result in the car veering off the straight path.

3. Change tyre locations. The wear of tyres on different axles of a car is different — the front wheels are subject to greater loads and wear out faster. By regularly changing your tyres on different axles, you can ensure even tyre wear.

4. Install tyres correctly on rims. In tyres with a directional tread pattern, the alignment of the rotation vector with the specified direction is crucial. Deviation from this alignment significantly diminishes the rubber's performance characteristics.

5. Drive calmly. Quick starts and braking cause faster tread wear.

6. Do not overload the car. Excessive loads reduce the service life of tyres. Thus, about 20% of excess weight leads to a reduction in tyre service life by approximately 30%.

7. Use rubber maintenance products. Special chemicals for tyres and wheels clean the wheels from dirt and protect the elasticity of the tyre from external factors.


The age of tyres isn't the key factor when selecting car tyres. Proper storage minimizes the significance of the manufacturing date, allowing for extended use over many years. Consider new tyres produced within the past 3 — 5 years, and they can be used for 7 — 10 years or more, with a mandatory annual check after 5 years of use. Gentle treatment of tyres contributes to a longer lifespan and expiration date.