Tyre age
1st February 2022As one of the most essential parts of a car, the health of your tyres is vital for both you and your passengers' safety, as well the performance of your vehicle. Knowing how old your tyres are can help with understanding when to replace them and will encourage you to look out for the tell-tale signs of tyre ageing. Read on to find out how to tell the age of a tyre and at what point you should replace them.
How to tell the age of a tyre
It is simple to tell how old a tyre is - anyone can find out, simply by assessing the markings on the tyre sidewall. In a window, located on the outside of the tyre, you will find the tyre age code - this is a four-digit code which outlines not only the year the tyres were made, but the month as well. The first two digits represent the week that the tyre was made, and the final two digits refer to the year.
For example, if the tyre date code is '3820' then this means the tyre was made in the 38th week of 2020. If your tyres were made before 2000, you'll have a three-digit number - we recommend that any tyres older than 10 years old should be changed immediately.
How long does a tyre last?
You can expect to have your tyres for approximately 5-6 years. Tyres contain anti-oxidising chemicals which are used to slow the rate of ageing - however, your tyre lifespan will depend on the specific tyre you have bought and its day-to-day use.
When should I replace my tyres?
There is no set time for when tyres should be replaced, however tyre manufacturers often quote a minimum of 20,000 miles for your front tyres and 40,000 for your back tyres before they need replacing. The longevity of your tyres can be improved through proper tyre care and maintenance.
As a car owner, you should be checking tyre pressure, tread depth and wheel alignment regularly - as this will ensure that anything that could cause uneven or excessive wear will be caught early, hopefully before it has the more serious effects on driving performance. Equally, you should be mindful of your driving habits - we recommend braking slowly and accelerating less to reduce tyre wear.
Learn more about how to increase the longevity of your tyres with our tyre care and maintenance tips.
It is important to bear in mind that no matter how far you've travelled, if your tyres were manufactured before 2020 they should be replaced immediately as older tyres become worn and cracked. Cracked tyres are a symptom of stiffening rubber which can reduce shock absorption and increase the likelihood of a blow out at speed.
Signs of tyre ageing
You may already notice that your tyre has worn out before they show signs of ageing - tyres naturally age from exposure to UV rays, and other weather conditions, such as rain, snow and ice. Your tyres can even wear down if they have sat in the garage for a long period of time. That's why it's important to visually inspect your car tyres regularly. You should replace your tyres when you start to see signs of ageing - these may include:
- Excessive or irregular tyre wear
- Cracking on the tyre side wall
- Distortion of the tyre tread
- A deformed tyre carcass
- Vibrations when driving the car
If you've noticed any of these signs of ageing, it may be that your tyres need replacing. Order tyres online with The Tyre Group or visit us in one of our local branches where our helpful technicians will point you towards the best tyres for your car and budget.
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