Tire Age Calculator
Tires degrade from the inside out — a tire can look perfectly fine but be dangerously old. Enter the DOT date code from your sidewall to find out how old your tires are.
How to Read Your DOT Tire Date Code
(23rd week = early June)
(2019)
The full DOT code is on one sidewall only (often the inner side). Look for the last 4 digits — two digits for the week (01–52) and two for the year.
Tires made before 2000 had only 3 digits in the date code. If you find a 3-digit code, the tire is over 25 years old and must be replaced immediately.
Tire Age Guidelines by Manufacturer
| Age | Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | Good | Normal use. Inspect tread and pressure regularly. |
| 5–6 years | Monitor | Have a professional inspect annually for cracking or hardening. |
| 6–10 years | Replace Soon | Most manufacturers recommend replacement by year 6. Plan for new tires. |
| Over 10 years | Replace Now | Absolute maximum service life. Replace immediately regardless of tread. |
FAQ
Where is the DOT code on my tire?
The DOT code is molded into the sidewall of your tire, typically near the rim. It starts with "DOT" followed by a series of letters and numbers. The last 4 digits are the week and year of manufacture — for example, "2319" means the 23rd week of 2019.
How old is too old for tires?
Most tire manufacturers and automakers (including Ford, GM, and Chrysler) recommend replacing tires at 6 years regardless of tread depth, and consider 10 years the absolute maximum. The NHTSA does not set a legal limit, but recommends following manufacturer guidelines. Heat, UV exposure, and ozone break down rubber compounds even when tires aren't being driven.
Can tires be too old even if they look fine?
Yes — this is the most dangerous aspect of tire aging. The rubber degradation that causes blowouts and tread separation happens inside the tire structure, not on the visible surface. A 10-year-old tire can have full tread depth and look perfectly normal while being structurally unsafe.
Does storage affect tire aging?
Yes. Tires stored away from sunlight, heat, and ozone (such as in a cool, dark garage) age more slowly than tires constantly exposed to the elements. However, even well-stored tires should be replaced by 10 years from the manufacture date.
What if I can't find the DOT code?
The full DOT code including the 4-digit date code is only on one sidewall — try looking on the inner sidewall facing the vehicle. On some tires you may need to look carefully; the digits are shallow. A tire shop can help you locate and read the date code.