The importance of tyre age as well as tread depth

If you drive relatively few miles every year, you might find that your tread depth remains fairly intact for several years. But, importantly, that doesn’t mean your tyres are roadworthy.

What happens when tyres age?

As tyres age, they begin to crack in their sidewalls. This happens when UV light oxidises the rubber, causing it to dry out. Although tyres contain anti-oxidising chemicals to slow this process down, these only work when the tyres are moving. If your car is left unused for some time, or your tyres are stored away, they’ll deteriorate faster than if they’re used frequently.

How to check your tyre age

1.  Look for the markings on your tyre’s sidewall

2.  Find a four-digit code

3.  The third and fourth numbers indicate the year of manufacture

4. If this is longer than 10 years ago, we recommend you replace your tyres

Uniroyal. A brand of Continental.*