Not all tyres wear their age on their sidewalls. A tyre can look perfectly fine on the outside while hiding signs of deterioration within, especially if it’s been sitting in storage or rarely used. So, how do you know if your tyres are still roadworthy? Knowing how to tell the age of a tyre is one of the easiest and most important checks you can do.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to read a tyre’s age, why it matters for safety and performance, and what to do if you suspect your tyres are past their prime.
How to Read the Date Code on a Tyre
If you’re wondering how to tell the age of a tyre, the answer lies right on the sidewall. Every tyre comes stamped with a four-digit code that reveals its age. You’ll find this code on the sidewall of the tyre, near the tyre bead area (just above the rim). It’s usually a sequence of numbers and letters ending in a four-digit date code.
For example: DOT XYZ 0721
- The first two digits (07) indicate the week of manufacture.
- The last two digits (21) indicate the year.
- So, this tyre was made in the 7th week of 2021.
If the tyre was manufactured before the year 2000, it may have a three-digit code instead, but tyres that old should never still be in use.
Why Tyre Age Matters
Even if your tyres still have good tread depth, rubber compounds naturally degrade over time. Exposure to heat, UV rays, moisture, and even oxygen causes the tyre to harden and lose elasticity. This can lead to cracking, increased braking distances, and a higher risk of tyre failures.
Most tyre suppliers and manufacturers, including Falken, recommend inspecting tyres regularly and after ten (10) years of use replacing them, regardless of tread remaining.
Warning Signs of Ageing Tyres
It’s not always easy to tell if a tyre has passed its safe lifespan, but there are several key indicators to watch for:
- Cracks in the sidewalls or across the tread area, often due to UV and ozone exposure
- Vibration or ride disturbances while driving, which may indicate internal damage, irregular wear or flat spots
- Bulges or blisters on the tyre surface, indicating weakened areas where air pressure is causing the rubber to bubble
- Uneven wear or flat spots, which may be caused by long periods of inactivity, misalignment, imbalanced tyres or poor tyre maintenance
- Worn-out tread, especially if the depth is below the legal limit of 1.5mm. Low tread reduces grip and increases the risk of aquaplaning in wet conditions
- Loss of pressure over time, which could be a sign of deteriorating rubber or hidden punctures
If your tyres show any of these signs, or if you’re simply unsure of their age, it’s a smart move to get them checked by an authorised tyre dealer. They’ll be able to advise whether a replacement is needed and help you find the right Falken tyre for your driving needs.
How to Tell the Age of a Tyre — And What to Do About It
Understanding how to tell the age of a tyre gives you more control over your vehicle’s safety, handling, and reliability. A tyre might look fine at a glance, but age-related wear and deterioration can compromise its performance long before the tread wears out. That’s why regular checks and basic tyre maintenance are essential for every driver.
By staying informed and buying from authorised Falken dealers, you can trust that your tyres are both genuine and designed for Australian roads. Whether you’re replacing an old set or simply checking the age of your current tyres, expert support is never far away.
Why Buy From an Authorised Dealer?
When it comes to tyre age, where you buy your tyres is just as important as what you buy. Unauthorised sellers may offer lower prices, but those tyres could be older stock that’s been sitting in storage, or out in the elements. Even if the tread looks new, the rubber may have already started to degrade.
Authorised Falken dealers receive stock directly from Sumitomo Rubber Australia who is the only authorised supplier of Falken Tyres in Australia, ensuring Falken tyres sold are:
- Genuine and designed for Australian roads
- Recently manufactured and properly stored
- Covered by Falken’s full Manufacturer’s Warranty
- There may also be additional guarantees offered by the dealership
Authorised Falken dealers also help you check the age of your existing tyres and recommend safe, high-performing replacements. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid the risks of aged rubber, so get the most from your investment and ensure your tyre provides you safety on the roads.
You can learn more in our article about the importance of buying from an authorised dealer.
Falken offers a full range of tyres designed for Australian conditions — from rugged 4WD and off-road options like the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, built for all-terrain versatility and long-lasting durability, to the aggressive Wildpeak MT for maximum traction, and precision-engineered high-performance tyres like the Azenis FK520L, made for high-powered vehicles and dynamic driving.
For more, check out our article on how to find the best tyres for your passenger car, or find your nearest authorised Falken dealer to inspect your tyres or upgrade to a fresh set built for the road ahead.