Tire Expiration Calculator: Check Tire Age by DOT Code

🛞 Tire Expiration Calculator

Enter the DOT code from your tire's sidewall to see how old the tire is and when it should be replaced.

DOT U2LL LMLR 2321The last 4 digits are the week (23) and year (21), so this tire was made in June 2021

DOT code (full code or just the last 4 digits)

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These results follow general industry guidance: many vehicle makers say to replace tires at 6 years, and many tire makers set 10 years as the maximum. Always follow your own tire and vehicle manufacturer's advice. Damaged or worn tires should be replaced whatever their age.

How to Find the DOT Code on Your Tire

Look at the sidewall for the letters “DOT” followed by a string of 8 to 13 letters and numbers. The part you care about is the last 4 digits, which are often inside a small oval.

First two digits = the week it was made (01–53)
Last two digits = the year it was made

So 2321 means the 23rd week of 2021, which is early June 2021.

Can’t find it? The full date code is sometimes printed on only one side. If you see “DOT” with no 4-digit number after it, check the inner sidewall. You may need a flashlight, or to turn the wheel all the way.

Seeing only 3 digits? That tire was made before the year 2000. Replace it right away.

Do Tires Really Expire?

Tires don’t have an official “use-by” date like milk, but they do wear out with age. Over time, oxygen, heat and sunlight break down the oils and compounds that keep rubber flexible. The rubber gets harder and more brittle and starts to crack, often from the inside first, where you can’t see it.

That’s why an old tire can fail suddenly, usually as a tread separation at highway speed. That can happen even when the tire looks almost new.

Age matters for more than tires. If you’ve ever wondered how old your dog or cat is in “people years,” try our Pet Age to Human Years Calculator. It’s just as quick and works the same way.

How Old Is Too Old? General Guidelines

Tire age	What to do
0–5 years	Normal. Check tread and pressure monthly.
5–6 years	Have it inspected by a professional every year.
6+ years	Many carmakers recommend replacing it.
10 years	Common maximum set by tire makers, regardless of tread.

Trailers, RVs and motorcycles usually need replacing sooner, often around 5 to 6 years. These tires tend to sit unused, carry heavy loads, or have less margin for failure. In hot, sunny climates, take off about a year from those numbers.

5 Signs Your Tire Needs Replacing (Whatever Its Age)

Small cracks on the sidewall or between the tread blocks
Bulges or bubbles on the sidewall
Tread below 2/32″. Try the penny test: if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time.
Vibration or a wobble that wasn’t there before
Regular air loss even after a repair

Things Most People Don’t Know

Your spare is probably the oldest tire on your car. It may never have touched the road, but it has been aging since the day it was made. Many drivers find out in an emergency that their “good” spare is 12 years old.

“New” tires aren’t always new. Tires can sit in a warehouse for a year or more before they’re sold. It’s fine to check the DOT code before you buy and to ask for a fresher set. Most shops will gladly swap them.

Buying a used car? Check all five tires. A low-mileage car can easily still have its original, aging tires.

How to Make Your Tires Last Longer

Keep them at the pressure printed on your door jamb sticker, not the number on the tire.
Park in the shade or a garage when you can.
Use tire covers on RVs and trailers that sit for long periods.
Rotate them every 5,000–7,500 miles.
Store seasonal tires in a cool, dark, dry place away from motors, which give off ozone.

Topping up your tires at home with an air compressor or a plug-in tire inflator? It’s cheaper than you might think. Check how much it costs to run with our Appliance Running Cost Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read the date on my tire?

Find the last 4 digits of the DOT code. The first two are the week and the last two are the year. For example, “1225” means week 12 of 2025, which is March 2025.

How long do tires last?

Most tires last 6 to 10 years from the date they were made, depending on use, climate and how they’re stored. Tread usually wears out sooner if you drive a lot.

Is it safe to drive on 10-year-old tires?

It’s not recommended. Most tire makers say a tire should be taken out of service at 10 years, even if it looks fine.

Do unused tires expire?

Yes. Rubber ages whether the tire is used or not. A spare or stored tire ages at much the same rate as one on the road.

Does the tire age start from when I bought it?

No. Age is counted from the manufacture date in the DOT code, not the purchase date.

The Bottom Line

It takes about 30 seconds to check your tire’s age, and it could save you from a blowout on the highway. Check all of your tires, including the spare, and bookmark this page so you can check again next year.

Looking for more quick, no-signup tools for your home, car and hobbies? Browse all our free calculators on HobbyCalcs.

This tool gives general guidance only. Always follow your vehicle and tire manufacturer’s recommendations, and have a qualified technician inspect your tires if you’re unsure.