Is it safe to purchase tyres manufactured in 2019? When do they expire?

So, while shopping for a set of new tyres, you come across a cheap set that was on sale. A quick check revealed that they were manufactured in 2019 hence the shop had put it on clearance. But is it safe to purchase old stock and when do they expire?

If you’ve just wondered “Wait, tyres have an expiry date?.” Unused tyres are only recommended to be stored properly for a maximum of six years before they are declared unfit for use, regardless of whether the threads are still deep or not.

Before the year 2000, tyres have a recommended storage limit of not more than 10 years from their manufactured date, however, today the generally agreed guideline is 6 years, and this is assuming that it is kept indoors, away from the sun's ultra violet rays.

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I don't drive my car much, how long should I keep using the tyres?

Many believe that as long as the threads on the tyre are still deep because they didn't drive their cars often in the past two years due to the lockdown, there is no need to change the them.

However, this is not the case as the rubber can oxidise and dry out when exposed to various elements, especially sun. So, even if the threads on your tyres are still deep, the tyre's materials will still degrade.

According to Bridgestone Malaysia:

Low mileage is not really the issue if the cars are used irregularly but tyre ageing is. Tyre ageing occurs if a car is parked for a long period, the rubber will oxidise causing hairline cracks.

Tyre ageing is even worst if the car is parked under the hot sun without any shelter. It is recommended to drive the car at least once or twice a week for just a short distance.

The movement will migrate the antioxidant or antiozonant in the rubber to the outer surfaces of the tyre tread and sidewall. The antioxidants will form a layer of protection and slow down the effects of tyre ageing.

But the question remains if you’re on a budget or facing a shortage of tyre stock, can you purchase tyres that are manufactured in 2019?

Also read: Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear? Which are the most preferred tyre brands in Malaysia?

At the time of writing, which is 2021, the short answer is yes. But if you’re reading this article in the year 2024, then we recommend checking if the rubber has hardened before purchasing them.

In the case of low mileage cars, the tyres can be used for more than 5 years if it's driven regularly, even for short distances as the tyre's rotation will slow down tyre ageing.

But it is recommended to check the state of your tyres for hairline cracks on the side walls or signs of the rubber drying out.

To check when the tyres are manufactured, simply look at the four-digit DOT code that will indicate the week and year the tyres were made. The first two digits indicate the week, while the last two digits indicate the year. Read more about it here.

Also read: What are those hieroglyphs on tyres?