Tires & Wheels
Tire Age And Date Codes: Why Old Tires Are A Problem
A low-mileage luxury car often has its original tires - with plenty of tread. That is not automatically good news. Tires age out chemically whether they are driven or not, and old tires are a known issue on garage-kept cars.
How to read a tire date code
Every tire carries a DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits are the date of manufacture: the first two are the week, the last two are the year. A code ending 2419 means the 24th week of 2019. This is the single most important number for assessing tire age - and it is exactly what a buyer's inspector reads.
Why tires age out
Rubber compounds degrade over time through oxidation and the breakdown of internal oils, regardless of mileage. An aged tire hardens, loses grip, and becomes more prone to cracking and, in severe cases, structural failure. Tire and vehicle manufacturers commonly suggest considering replacement around six years from manufacture and treating tires beyond about ten years as due for replacement regardless of tread - though the specific guidance varies, so confirm with the tire manufacturer.
The low-mileage car paradox
This is the paradox of the carefully-stored collector car: low mileage preserves the engine, the interior, and the body - but the original tires still age out on the calendar. A 2,000-mile car ten years old is almost certainly on tires that are past their service life despite near-full tread. Knowledgeable buyers know this and check.
How this affects resale value
On a low-mileage or collector car, original-but-aged tires are a known negative that a buyer's inspector will flag. Replacing them with fresh, correct-spec tires before sale removes the objection. Keep the old original tires if they have provenance value (some collectors want the originals to retain), but the car should be sold ready to drive safely on current-dated tires.
Frequently asked questions
How old is too old for a tire?
Guidance varies, but many tire and vehicle manufacturers suggest considering replacement around six years and treating tires past about ten years as due for replacement regardless of tread. Confirm with the specific tire manufacturer.
Where is the date code on a tire?
On the sidewall, in the DOT code. The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture - for example, 2419 is the 24th week of 2019.
My collector car has low miles but old tires - is that a problem?
Yes. Tires age chemically regardless of mileage. A low-mileage car on decade-old original tires should generally be put on fresh, correct tires before being driven hard or sold.
Related resources
- All tires & wheels guides
- How to value a luxury car
- Vehicle research library
- Submit your car for a private market read
Compiled by the Fast Auto Exit Network Research desk. General informational guidance; specific products and methods should be matched to your individual vehicle and confirmed with a marque specialist.
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