Is It Okay to Use an “Expired” Tyre?

No—using an aged or “expired” tyre is not recommended. Rubber hardens and structural components degrade over time, raising the risk of blowouts and loss of grip, even if the tread looks fine. Tyres have no official “expiry date” stamped on them, but industry guidance is clear: have tyres professionally inspected after five years and replace them by 10 years from the date of manufacture at the latest; many automakers advise replacement around six years. Here’s how to judge tyre age safely, what the risks are, and what to do if you discover old rubber on your vehicle.

Why tyre age matters

Tyres age due to heat, UV exposure, oxygen/ozone, and time. This aging makes rubber less elastic and can weaken bonds between layers, increasing the chance of sudden failure. Older spares also age even if never used.

The following points summarize the key safety risks associated with aged tyres.

• Higher blowout risk: Heat and flexing can cause separations in aged rubber, especially at highway speeds.
• Reduced grip: Hardened compounds increase braking distances and reduce wet traction.
• Sidewall and tread cracks: Microcracks can propagate into structural failures.
• Belt separation: Corrosion and degraded bonding between steel belts and rubber can cause bulges and tread detachment.
• Pressure loss: Aging can increase air permeability and bead leaks.

Together, these factors mean an old tyre can fail without much warning, even if the tread depth appears legal and even.

How to check your tyre’s age

Tyre age is determined by the DOT date code on the sidewall (U.S./many markets) or an equivalent manufacturing date code. This simple check tells you when the tyre was made.

Use the steps below to find and read the DOT code.

1. Look for “DOT” on the sidewall, followed by letters/numbers identifying the plant and batch.
2. Find the final four digits in an oval: the first two are the week, the last two the year (e.g., 2320 = week 23 of 2020).
3. If you see only three digits, the tyre is from the 1990s or earlier—well beyond safe service life.
4. Check both sidewalls; the full code may be stamped on only one side.

Record the date and compare it with current guidance to decide whether inspection or replacement is due.

What experts recommend

There is broad industry consensus on tyre aging, even though local laws vary.

Below are widely accepted recommendations from tyre makers, safety bodies, and automakers.

• Inspect annually after five years in service, regardless of tread depth.
• Replace by 10 years from the manufacturing date at the latest.
• Many automakers advise replacement around six years, especially for spares or vehicles exposed to heat.
• Replace immediately if there are cracks, bulges, vibration, or impact damage—age aside.

These guidelines reflect real-world aging observed in diverse climates and vehicle types, aiming to minimize unexpected failures.

Legal and insurance considerations

Regulations differ by country. Understanding them helps avoid compliance issues and claim disputes after accidents.

The key points below outline the general regulatory landscape.

• United States: No federal age limit for passenger-car tyres; many retailers decline to install tyres older than about 10 years.
• United Kingdom: Since 2021, tyres older than 10 years are banned on the front axles of HGVs, buses, and coaches and on all wheels of minibuses; no age limit for regular passenger cars, but roadworthiness applies.
• European Union: No uniform age limit for passenger tyres; safety inspections can fail tyres with visible aging damage.
• Other markets: Some countries restrict sale or use of tyres beyond specific ages; check local rules.
• Insurance: Using visibly degraded tyres can affect fault determinations or claims after a crash.

Regardless of legal limits, liability can hinge on whether tyres were fit for purpose; aged, degraded tyres can weaken your position.

Warning signs your tyre is too old to use

Visual and performance cues often appear as a tyre ages. If you notice any of the following, replace the tyre promptly.

Look for these indicators during routine checks.

• Sidewall or tread cracking (“dry rot”).
• Bulges, blisters, or flat spots that don’t disappear after driving.
• Persistent vibration or pulling despite proper balance and alignment.
• Uneven wear patterns, exposed cords, or tread separation.
• Frequent pressure loss not explained by punctures.

These symptoms suggest structural degradation that can lead to sudden failure under load or heat.

Storage, spares, and climate effects

How and where a tyre is stored accelerates or slows aging. Spares are especially vulnerable because they are often overlooked.

Follow these best practices to reduce aging.

• Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Avoid ozone exposure: keep tyres away from electric motors, generators, and welders.
• Keep tyres clean, dry, and off bare concrete if possible; use covers or bags.
• Maintain correct pressure in mounted spares; inspect annually.
• In hot climates, consider more conservative replacement intervals (heat accelerates aging).

Good storage helps, but it does not stop the clock; time-related compound changes still occur.

If you must move the vehicle on an old tyre

Safety should come first. If an aged tyre is the only option to reposition a vehicle briefly, mitigate risks carefully.

Use the precautions below only for short, low-speed moves to reach service.

• Limit speed to neighborhood levels and avoid highways.
• Check and set tyre pressure to the vehicle placard specification.
• Avoid heavy loads, sharp turns, and potholes.
• Monitor for vibration, noise, or heat; stop immediately if noticed.
• Replace the tyre as soon as practicable; do not treat this as normal use.

These steps do not make an old tyre safe; they simply reduce immediate risk while you seek a proper replacement.

Bottom line

Tyres don’t have a printed “expiry date,” but age matters. After five years, get professional inspections; by 10 years from manufacture—often sooner in hot climates or per automaker guidance—replace them regardless of tread. If there are any signs of aging or damage, replace immediately. The cost of new tyres is small compared with the safety risk of a blowout.

Summary

It is not okay to use an expired or over-aged tyre. Check the DOT date code, inspect annually after five years, and replace by 10 years at the latest—many manufacturers and automakers advise around six years, especially for spares. Aging degrades grip and structural integrity, increasing blowout risk. Store tyres properly, watch for cracks and bulges, and prioritize replacement over short-term savings or convenience.

How long before a tyre goes out of date?

A tire that has a 3-digit week-and-year code means the tire was made before the year 2000 and should be replaced due to age. Bridgestone recommends that its Bridgestone or Firestone brand tires be removed from service after ten years regardless of their remaining tread depth.

Do tires expire if not used?

Yes, tires “expire” or degrade even when unused, as the rubber compounds break down over time due to exposure to oxygen, heat, and UV light, leading to dry rot and cracks. While a general guideline suggests replacing tires after six to 10 years from their manufacturing date, a manufacturer’s warning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacement after 5-6 years, regardless of tread wear, to ensure safety and prevent sudden failures. 
Why Tires Degrade Over Time

• Chemical Breakdown: The rubber and other compounds in tires, similar to a rubber band, naturally degrade over time. 
• Environmental Factors: Oxygen, heat, and UV light from the sun contribute to the breakdown of rubber, accelerating the aging process and leading to cracks and dry rot. 
• Lack of Use: Even when not used, tires are still exposed to these aging factors, which weaken the rubber and internal components. 

Signs of Tire Degradation
Look for these signs of aging:

• Cracks: Small cracks (microcracking) or larger fissures in the rubber. 
• Dry Rot: The rubber appears dried out and crumbly. 
• Bulging or Bubbling: Unusual bulges or bubbles on the tire’s surface. 
• Hardened Rubber: The rubber becomes harder, making it more prone to failure. 

How to Check a Tire’s Age

• DOT Number: Opens in new tabThe Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the tire’s sidewall contains a code indicating the week and year of manufacture. 
• Tire Expiration Date: Opens in new tabThe NHTSA recommends replacing tires after six years from their manufacture date, even if they look new. 

Recommendations

• Annual Inspections: Inspect tires annually for signs of aging and deterioration. 
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for tire replacement, typically around six years. 
• Prioritize Safety: Ignoring aging tires can lead to a sudden blowout or tire failure, which is dangerous and can result in accidents. 

Are 7 year old tires still good?

No, 7-year-old tires are generally not considered good and should be replaced to ensure safety, even if they have ample tread, as age-related deterioration of the rubber can lead to cracks, dry rot, and an increased risk of blowouts and reduced handling performance. While there is no universal law, experts and manufacturers like Michelin and Consumer Reports recommend inspecting tires around six years old and replacing them no later than ten years from their manufacture date, regardless of their condition.
 
Why Age Matters

• Dry Rot: Over time, the rubber in tires can become harder, brittle, and develop cracks due to oxidation and exposure to the elements, a process known as dry rot. 
• Compromised Structure: As tires age, their internal chemical bonds begin to degrade, weakening the tire’s structure and making it more vulnerable to damage and failure. 
• Performance Issues: Aged tires can lead to increased stopping distances, poor handling, and a higher susceptibility to punctures, all of which compromise vehicle safety. 

How to Check Your Tire’s Age

1. Locate the DOT Number: Opens in new tabLook on the sidewall of the tire for a series of letters and numbers starting with “DOT”. 
2. Find the Date Code: Opens in new tabThe last four digits of the DOT code indicate the tire’s manufacture date; the first two are the week, and the last two are the year (e.g., “2714” means the 27th week of 2014). 

What to Do

• Replace at 10 Years: As a general rule of thumb, all tires should be replaced by the 10-year mark from their manufacture date, even if they appear to be in good condition. 
• Inspect Annually: Once a tire reaches five years of age, it should be inspected annually by a qualified professional to check for signs of aging and deterioration. 
• Prioritize Safety: Don’t rely solely on tread depth; even tires with deep tread can be dangerous if they are old and compromised due to age. 

What happens if you use expired tires?

But this can be a dangerous mistake. Like any rubber product, tires degrade with age. Regardless of tread depth, old tires can develop cracks and fissures that can lead to tread separation and loss of car control.