Tyres don't last forever. They come with an end date. Most individuals do not know that the tyre expiry date is a real thing. Yes, tyres expire and just like your medicines, using expired tyres is not advised. Changing tyres timely is essential for the optimal performance of your vehicle. Additionally, timely changing of tyres is essential for your safety on the road.
This blog by the Apollo team is your guide to knowing everything about the expiry date of tyres. It will help you learn how to check tyre expiry dates and also list all the possible dangers you might face while driving vehicles with expired tyres.
Does Tyre Have an Expiry Date?
Yes, tyres do have an expiry date. Usually, they must be replaced every six to ten years. Even if they appear perfect and you do not feel any issues while driving, you must know when to replace your car tyres. Keeping a close eye on the condition of your tyres is essential as most tyres do not even reach the age of ten years. Regular inspection can keep you updated about the condition of your tyres.
Ten years of age is a general estimation for the expiry date of tyres. To know the specific age of your tyre, you must know its expiration date. But how to check the tyre expiry date? Read the next section of this blog to learn more.
How to Find Tyre Expiry Date?
Checking the tyre expiry date is quite simple. To determine the expiration date, you first need to find out the manufacturing date of the tyres. The sidewall of a tyre has a 10 to 12-digit serial tyre identification number. This identification number usually starts with the acronym- DOT. For example, your tyre might have a serial number- DOT ELCB DKE 3422. Now, the last four digits in this number represent the week and year of the manufacturing of a tyre. For instance, in this number, 34 represents week, and 22 represents year. So, this number shows that the particular tyre was manufactured in the 34th week of the year 2022.
Now, coming back to your initial question- how to check the expiry date of a car tyre? After determining the manufacturing time, add six years to it, and you will get the expiry date for your tyres. For instance, in the above example, the expiry date will be the 34th week of the year 2028.
Also read: What Affects the Life of Car Tyres - Apollo Tyres
The Dangers You Might Face While Driving With Expired Tyres
If you drive your vehicle with expired tyres, you might face the following dangers.
Overheating
Tires get bald and worn out after their expiry date. These tyres have very little tread left on their circumference. As a result, the rubber of the tyre comes frequently in contact with asphalt, leading to excessive heat build-up. Such tyres eventually blow out.
Frequent Punctures
Expired tyres are more prone to punctures. These tyres have eroded tread and little rubber between the tyre and the road. As a result, sharp objects can easily leave you with a flat tyre. Also, unexpected bursts pose a severe threat of losing control over your vehicle and single-vehicle collisions.
Inefficient Braking
Another danger posed by expired tyres is that they make it difficult to have control over the braking system. Worn-out tyres take longer to come to a stop when brakes are applied. This problem is especially faced on wet roads when driving is already very difficult due to water accumulation and bad road conditions.
Dangerous to Drive in Snow
You cannot even think of driving your vehicle with expired tyres in the snow. Driving in snow is quite tricky, even with good tyres. Worn-out and old tyres do not have enough traction on snow. As a result, your vehicle is likely to skid, making the snow more deadly for driving.
Also read: Warning Signs & Symptoms of Bad Wheel Bearings
Wrapping Up
Reading this blog must have helped you know how to find tyre expiry dates. So, do not wait anymore. Check the expiration date of your tyres today and have them replaced with high-quality tyres by the Apollo Tyres will restore your safety and the high performance of your vehicle.