Your vehicle’s tires are the only part of your car that makes direct contact with the road. While tread depth and visible wear are easy to notice, many drivers overlook something just as important: age. Understanding tire date codes helps you determine how old your tires are and whether they are still safe to drive on.
Even if your tires look fine from the outside, rubber naturally deteriorates over time. Heat, sunlight, moisture, and daily driving all contribute to aging. Knowing how to locate and interpret the manufacturing date can protect you from premature failure and costly damage.
Why Tire Age Matters More Than You Think
Many drivers assume that if the tread looks good, the tire must be safe. Unfortunately, that is not always true.
Rubber compounds break down as they age. This process can lead to:
- Reduced traction
- Increased stopping distance
- Sidewall cracking
- Higher risk of blowouts
- Poor performance in wet or winter conditions
In Canada, where temperature swings between hot summers and freezing winters are common, rubber deterioration can happen faster than expected. Even low-mileage vehicles can have tires that are too old.
That is why learning to read the manufacturing information on your tires is essential.
What Are Tire Date Codes
Every tire sold in North America includes a Department of Transportation marking on the sidewall. Within this string of numbers and letters is a four-digit code that tells you when the tire was manufactured.
These markings are standardized and easy to read once you know what to look for.
Where to Find the Code
Look at the sidewall of your tire and locate the letters “DOT.” After that, you will see a combination of letters and numbers.
The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was made.
Sometimes this four-digit number appears only on one side of the tire, so you may need to check the inside sidewall.
How to Read the Four-Digit Number
The format is simple:
- The first two digits indicate the week of production
- The last two digits indicate the year
For example:
- 1022 means the tire was manufactured in the 10th week of 2022
- 4519 means the 45th week of 2019
If your tire shows 2318, it was produced during the 23rd week of 2018.
This makes it easy to determine the exact age of your tire.
How Old Is Too Old for a Tire
Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after six to ten years, regardless of tread depth.
While exact recommendations may vary by brand, general safety guidelines suggest:
- Inspect tires carefully after five years
- Replace them in six to eight years
- Never use tires older than ten years
Even if a tire has plenty of tread remaining, internal rubber degradation may compromise safety.
Why Age Can Be Dangerous
As tires age:
- The internal structure weakens
- Bonding between layers deteriorates
- Rubber becomes harder and less flexible
- Grip decreases, especially in rain or snow
Older tires are more prone to sudden failure, especially during highway driving or under heavy loads.
Factors That Accelerate Tire Aging
Not all tires age at the same rate. Several factors can speed up deterioration.
Climate and Temperature
Extreme heat accelerates rubber breakdown. Vehicles parked outdoors during summer or exposed to constant sun experience faster aging.
Cold temperatures can also cause the rubber to stiffen and crack over time.
Storage Conditions
Improper storage can reduce tire lifespan. Tires stored in direct sunlight, near electric motors, or in damp areas age more quickly.
If you use winter and summer tire sets, proper storage between seasons is essential.
Driving Habits
Frequent hard braking, aggressive cornering, and heavy loads can stress the tire structure.
Even low-mileage vehicles can have old tires if they sit unused for long periods. Flat spots and internal deterioration can occur without regular use.
Visual Signs Your Tires May Be Too Old
Besides checking the manufacturing date, look for warning signs that indicate aging.
Sidewall Cracking
Small cracks in the sidewall rubber are a common sign of aging. These cracks allow moisture and air to penetrate the structure.
Dry Rot
Dry rot appears as fine surface cracks and faded rubber. It weakens the tire and increases the risk of failure.
Bulges or Deformation
Bulges indicate internal structural damage. This can happen in older tires even without impact damage.
Increased Road Noise or Vibration
Older tires can become stiff and uneven, leading to noticeable vibrations while driving.
If you notice any of these symptoms, a professional inspection is recommended.
Understanding Date Codes on Spare Tires
Many drivers forget about their spare tire. However, spare tires also have manufacturing dates.
If your spare tire is over six to ten years old, it may not be safe to use in an emergency.
Temporary spare tires are especially vulnerable because they are rarely inspected. Always check the sidewall before relying on it.
Buying New Tires and Checking Freshness
When purchasing new tires, it is wise to check the manufacturing date before installation.
Some tires may have been sitting in a warehouse for a year or more. While that does not automatically make them unsafe, you ideally want tires that are less than one year old.
Before installation:
- Ask to see the DOT code
- Confirm the last four digits
- Ensure they are relatively recent
Fresh tires provide the longest lifespan and best performance.
Do Unused Tires Expire
Yes, even unused tires age.
A tire stored in a warehouse still undergoes chemical changes in the rubber. Although proper storage slows the process, it does not stop it completely.
If you are buying discounted tires that are several years old, weigh the cost savings against reduced lifespan.
Winter Tires and Date Codes
In Canada, winter tires are essential for safe driving. However, winter tires are made with softer rubber compounds that can degrade faster in warm weather.
If winter tires are:
- Over six years old
- Showing cracks
- Losing flexibility
They may not provide adequate grip on snow and ice.
Regularly checking the manufacturing week and year ensures your winter tires remain reliable.
How Often Should You Check Tire Age
It is a good habit to inspect your tires at least twice a year, especially before seasonal changes.
You should check:
- Before installing winter or summer tires
- During annual maintenance
- When purchasing a used vehicle
Used vehicles sometimes come with older tires that appear fine but are close to expiration.
The Role of Professional Inspections
While reading tire date codes is simple, evaluating overall tire condition requires experience.
A professional technician can assess:
- Tread depth
- Sidewall integrity
- Uneven wear patterns
- Alignment issues
- Internal damage
Combining age evaluation with physical inspection provides a complete safety assessment.
Common Myths About Tire Age
Myth 1: Good Tread Means Safe Tire
Tread depth does not indicate structural integrity. An older tire with deep tread can still fail.
Myth 2: Low Mileage Tires Last Forever
Low mileage does not prevent aging. Time affects rubber regardless of usage.
Myth 3: Tires Only Expire After Ten Years
While ten years is often considered the maximum limit, many experts recommend replacement much sooner.
How Tire Age Impacts Performance
Older tires affect more than just safety.
They can reduce:
- Fuel efficiency
- Handling precision
- Braking response
- Comfort
As rubber hardens, traction declines. This is especially noticeable in wet conditions, where grip is critical.
Replacing aging tires improves overall driving confidence and vehicle performance.
Quick Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Tire Age
Follow these simple steps:
- Locate the DOT marking on the tire sidewall
- Find the last four digits in the sequence
- Identify the first two digits as the production week
- Identify the last two digits as the production year
- Calculate how many years have passed
If your tires are approaching six years or more, consider scheduling an inspection.
Why Timely Replacement Saves Money
Replacing tires before they fail prevents:
- Costly roadside assistance
- Rim damage
- Suspension issues
- Accidents
Proactive replacement also ensures optimal fuel efficiency and reduces uneven wear that can affect other vehicle components.
Spending on timely tire replacement is far less expensive than dealing with a blowout at highway speeds.
Final Thoughts on Tire Age and Safety
Understanding tire date codes gives you control over your vehicle’s safety. Instead of guessing based on appearance alone, you can make informed decisions backed by accurate manufacturing information.
In regions with fluctuating temperatures like Ontario, tire aging can happen faster than expected. Regular inspection, proper storage, and timely replacement are essential for safe driving year-round.
If you are unsure about the condition or age of your tires, have them professionally inspected.
For expert tire inspections, replacements, and seasonal tire services, contact TrilliTires in Richmond Hill and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is equipped with safe, reliable tires.