Are 7 Year Old Tyres Too Old? Tyre Age Guide

Gloved hand pointing at the four-digit date code on the sidewall of an older weathered tyre

Short answer: a 7 year old tyre isn’t automatically unsafe, but it is old enough that it should be inspected properly. Age, storage and how the tyre has been used matter as much as the number on the sidewall.

The short answer

There is no single legal age limit for tyres in Australia. Many tyre and vehicle manufacturers recommend having tyres inspected regularly once they are around five years old, and replacing them by about ten years old regardless of tread. Some vehicle makers recommend replacement earlier, so check your owner’s manual.

At seven years, a tyre may still be serviceable — or it may be hardened and cracked. Only an inspection can tell you which.

How to find your tyre’s age

Look for the four-digit date code at the end of the DOT number on the sidewall. The first two digits are the week and the last two are the year. For example, 2819 means week 28 of 2019.

Check every tyre, including the spare — spares are often the oldest tyre on the vehicle.

Caravan parked under gum trees on a rural property, the kind of vehicle whose tyres age before they wear out

Signs an older tyre needs replacing

Fine cracks in the sidewall or between the tread blocks, bulges, a hard or shiny surface, flat spots, or repeated pressure loss are all warning signs.

Tread depth still matters: passenger tyres must have at least 1.5 mm across the principal tread grooves.

Why age matters more around Corowa

Hot Riverina summers, strong UV and vehicles that sit for months — caravans, trailers, boat trailers and farm vehicles — can age rubber faster than everyday cars that are driven often.

If a caravan or trailer has good tread but tyres that are seven years or older, have them checked before a long trip.

Common questions