Motorists are being urged to check how old their tyres are before colder months arrive, as a simple four-digit code reveals when they were made. Car insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk warn that drivers caught with defective tyres could face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre, meaning a full set of unsafe tyres could result in £10,000 in fines.
How to read the tyre date code
Every tyre has a four-digit date code stamped on its sidewall, usually at the end of the tyre identification markings. The first two digits indicate the week the tyre was manufactured, while the last two show the year. For example, a tyre marked 3526 was made in the 35th week of 2026, between late August and early September.
This check gives drivers an idea of how old their tyres are, even if the tread still looks good. On average, car tyres last about three to five years, or 20,000 to 40,000 miles, with front tyres usually wearing out faster at around 20,000 miles. However, lifespan depends on driving style and conditions.
Legal limits and replacement advice
After five years of use, it is recommended to have tyres checked by a professional at least once a year, and if they reach the 10-year threshold, they should be replaced as a precaution. The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the middle three-quarters of the tyre. Most tyres also have built-in wear indicators, small raised bars in the grooves that show when tread has worn to the legal limit.
If tread is level with these bars, the tyre needs replacing. Drivers should consider replacing tyres before reaching the legal minimum, as deeper tread helps maintain grip on wet and slippery roads. Cold temperatures can also cause tyre pressures to drop, so motorists should check them regularly when tyres are cold and follow the manufacturer's recommended settings.
Expert warning on ageing rubber
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, said: "As the cold and wet weather sets in, it's important for drivers to give their tyres a little extra attention. While many motorists know to check their tread depth, not everyone realises that the four-digit code on a tyre reveals when it was manufactured. It's a quick and easy way to check the tyres' 'birthday' and get a better idea of their age."
"Knowing how old the tyres are is important because rubber can deteriorate over time, even if the tread still looks fine. Older tyres may be more prone to cracking and other damage, so checking their age as well as their overall condition can help drivers spot issues before they become a problem," he added.
Six tips for pre-winter tyre checks
Check your tyre 'birthday' - Look for the four-digit date code on the sidewall of each tyre. The first two digits show the week of manufacture, the last two the year. If tyres have over five years of use, get them professionally checked at least once a year, and replace them at the 10-year mark.
Check the tread depth - The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Place a 20 pence piece into the main grooves in several places; if the outer band is visible, get the tyre checked.
Keep tyre pressures topped up - Cold temperatures can drop pressures, affecting handling, braking and fuel efficiency. Check regularly when tyres are cold and follow manufacturer settings, usually in the handbook or on a sticker inside the driver's door.
Check for damage - Inspect all four tyres for cuts, cracks, bulges or other signs of deterioration. If anything unusual is spotted, seek advice from a tyre professional.
Adapt driving to weather - Even good tyres can't eliminate risks from icy roads or heavy rain. Reduce speed, leave a greater distance, and brake, accelerate and steer smoothly.
EV tyres wear faster - Tyres on EVs are estimated to wear out up to 20% faster due to increased battery weight and instant torque, so check regularly, especially for first-time EV owners.
