Do tyres have an expiry date?

Monday 8th July 2024

Car tyres don’t last forever. Driving with poor quality or ageing tyres is dangerous and illegal, particularly if: 

• The tyres are under the legal tread depth limit. 
• There is visible tyre damage, such as bulges, exposed cords and cuts. 
• The tyres don’t meet the specifications recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer (incorrect size, type, load and speed rating). 

Formula One Autocentres’ article answers whether there are expiry dates on tyres. 

Why do tyres have date stamps? 

While car tyres don’t technically have a sell-by date, they are printed with date stamps that tell you the age of the tyres. Date stamps were introduced in the 1980s and came with a 3-digit code, with the first two digits providing the week number and the last digit being the year the tyre was manufactured. In 2000, the tyre stamping format changed to a 4-digit code. Under the current date stamping system, the first two digits feature the week number, while the last two digits represent the last two digits of the year the tyre was manufactured. 

How do I find out when to replace my car’s tyres? 

As tyres technically don’t have an expiry date, understanding when to replace your tyres is essential to avoid driving with ageing rubber: 

The tyres start to crack 

Regular exposure to UV light from the sun can affect the sidewalls of your tyres, leading to the rubber oxidising. This causes the rubber to weaken, particularly if you haven’t driven your vehicle for a long time. Driving in wet conditions and natural degradation over time can lead to your tyres cracking.  

Reduced tyre tread depth 

Over time, as your tyres rack up the miles, the tyre tread depth decreases. It is against the law to drive with tyres with a tread depth below 1.6mm as it impacts your stopping distances, which can be especially dangerous in icy and wet conditions. If your tyres don’t meet the legal limit, you must pay a fine of £2,500 and have three points on your driving licence for each illegal tyre. Our blog covers how to check the tread depth of your tyres so you can drive safely on the road. 

There are cuts on the sidewall 

Cuts can occur on your tyre’s sidewall due to driving on poor road surfaces, over debris or by hitting potholes. Depending on the cut to the tyre, it could compromise your car’s handling or cause an instant tyre failure. If you discover any cuts or punctures to your tyres, you should get them examined by our tyre specialists immediately. 

How to increase the lifespan of your tyres 

There are many things you can do to increase the lifespan of your car’s tyres, such as: 

• Check your car’s wheel alignment. 

• Empty the boot. 

• Drive carefully and avoid taking corners at speed. 

• Checking all your tyres regularly, including the spare if you have one, and ensuring they are clean and debris-free will help your tyres last longer. Follow our blog on tyre safety tips to ensure your tyres are safe and road legal. 

Replace your tyres when necessary 

If your tyres are reaching the end of their lifespan, we recommend replacing them immediately. Continuing to drive with worn or damaged tyres can be dangerous, thus leading to a potential blowout, causing further damage to your vehicle. Therefore, you must replace your tyres at your nearest branch to reduce the likelihood of incurring car-breaking damage. 

Are you replacing your car’s tyres and don’t know which brand to buy? Our guide covers everything you need to know about the top tyre brands to help you make an informed purchase. Buy your tyres online and get them fitted the same day at your local Formula One Autocentres branch.