Where is the DOT date code on my tyre?

Look on the sidewall for the letters DOT followed by a series of characters. The last four digits are the date code — for example, 2419 means week 24 of 2019. The code may only be on one side of the tyre.

How old is too old for a tyre?

Most tyre manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 10 years regardless of tread depth, as rubber compounds degrade over time. Many experts recommend replacement after 5-6 years, especially for high-speed or safety-critical applications.

Yes. Even tyres stored in ideal conditions degrade over time due to oxidation. A brand new tyre that has been stored for 5 years is not the same as a freshly manufactured tyre. When buying new tyres, check the DOT code to ensure they are recent manufacture.

How old is too old for tyres?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after 6 years regardless of tread depth, and all tyres should be replaced after 10 years. Rubber degrades over time even when not in use, becoming hard and losing grip. The UK has no legal age limit but many MOT testers will advise on aged tyres.

Where do I find the DOT date code?

The DOT code is on the tyre sidewall, usually in an oval. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, 2519 means week 25 of 2019. On some tyres, the DOT code is only on one side, so you may need to check both sides.

CarCalcs

Tyre Age Calculator

Decode the DOT date code on your tyres to find their manufacturing date and age.

Week (first 2 digits)

Week of manufacture (01-52)

Year (last 2 digits)

Last two digits of year

How We Calculate This

The DOT date code is a 4-digit number where the first two digits are the week of manufacture (01-52) and the last two digits are the year. This calculator converts the code to a date and calculates the age.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.