Tyre age and date codes: when condition needs a closer look

Find and record the manufacturing code

Michelin explains tyre age markings and its inspection recommendations. A four-digit code gives the manufacturing week followed by the year. For example, 2324 means week 23 of 2024. It describes manufacture, not the day the tyre was fitted to your vehicle.

The relevant code may not be easily visible from the safe side of the parked vehicle. Record what you can see and ask for it to be confirmed during a suitable inspection. Do not get underneath a car or work beside traffic simply to find a date.

Keep manufacture and time in use separate

If you know the fitting date, retain it with the purchase record. That helps describe the tyre’s history alongside the manufacturing code. If the history is unknown, say so; subtracting the current year from a code does not reconstruct storage conditions or past damage.

For a used vehicle, begin with an inspection and available records rather than assuming the tyres were new when the previous keeper acquired it. Include the spare in the discussion.

Look beyond tread depth

Damage, cracking, bulges, pressure loss and changes in handling need attention regardless of how young a date code appears. A recent manufacture date does not make an impact-damaged tyre fit to use. Equally, a date by itself does not reveal the complete internal condition.

When the vehicle is safely parked, note visible concerns and arrange assessment. If there is a suspected dangerous defect, keep the tyre out of use. See the bulge and sidewall guide for structural-warning signs.

Use the recommendation accurately

Michelin’s five-year point concerns annual professional examination after that period of use. Its ten-year replacement precaution runs from manufacture and includes spare tyres. Check the guidance for the tyres and vehicle actually involved rather than presenting this as a universal car MOT age limit.

A professional may identify a reason for replacement sooner. The recommendation is not permission to ignore poor condition until an anniversary.

Separate car advice from commercial age rules

Some commercial vehicles and wheel positions have specific statutory restrictions on tyres over ten years old. The Department for Transport explains the affected categories and positions. Do not apply a simplified “ten years for every tyre” statement across cars, trucks, buses and trailers.

Fleet operators should use the appropriate policy and current rules for each asset. Keep identification readable and seek clarification if the tyre age cannot be established.

Make the record useful for the next inspection

Wheel position:
Complete tyre specification:
Manufacturing code and how it was confirmed:
Known fitting date:
Condition or pressure concerns:
Inspection date and outcome:
Next action agreed:

This creates a history that can travel with the vehicle. It does not replace a competent condition assessment or override an applicable legal age restriction.

Common questions