Most drivers don’t think about the age of their tires until it’s too late. Yet every year, tire blowouts and tread separations caused by aging rubber lead to hundreds of accidents. These crashes can result in devastating injuries, totaled vehicles, and complex questions about liability.
At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how hidden defects and old tires can destroy lives. In one of our most notable product liability cases, we secured $5 million for a client whose tragic crash was caused by a defective tire sold by a popular, local retailer. Our experience has taught us that understanding something as simple as “how old are your tires?” could be the difference between a safe trip and a life-changing accident.
If you’re wondering how tire age affects vehicle safety, or what to do if a tire blowout accident causes injuries, this guide explains everything, from how to decode your tire’s manufacture date to how personal injury lawyers prove fault in tire defect lawsuits.
How Can You Tell How Old Your Tires Are?
Even if your tires look new, they might be years past their safe lifespan. Every tire includes a Department of Transportation (DOT) code stamped into the sidewall. It is usually found on at least one side of the tire. This tire identification number contains eight to thirteen letters and digits that reveal where and when the tire was made.
To check tire age, look for the DOT code beginning with the letters “DOT.” The last four digits of the DOT code show the week and year of manufacture. Example: A DOT code ending in 2219 means the tire was manufactured during the 22nd week of 2019. The first two numbers (“22”) represent the week, while the last two digits (“19”) represent the year the tire was made. Sometimes, the full code appears only on the opposite sidewall of the tire, so you may need to crawl under your car or use a mirror.
Understanding your tire’s DOT code is essential for safety inspections, especially when buying used cars or replacing spare tires that may have been stored for years. Even if tread depth looks fine, a tire that’s too old could fail unexpectedly.
Sometimes, tire retailers looking to cut corners will sell dangerous, outdated tires to the unsuspecting public to avoid the financial hit of removing them from inventory. That’s exactly what happened when our client left an auto store with “new” tires that turned out to be a ticking time bomb. As he drove home from the store, our client experienced a major blowout from an expired tire. While there was no manufacturing defect, the outdated tire was no longer safe for use. Sadly, what our client didn’t know ended his life. When his devastated family contacted Attorney Mark Joye, we sprung into action to hold the retailer accountable and secured a multi-million-dollar result.
Why Does Tire Age Matter Even If the Tread Looks Fine?
Many drivers assume deep tread equals safety, but tire rubber degradation happens from the inside out. Over time, oxygen, heat, and UV exposure cause oxidation, which dries the rubber and weakens its steel belts.
Even a tire made with premium materials can develop hidden damage after years of storage or exposure to the elements. This chemical breakdown leads to tread separation, cracks, and reduced grip.
Tire blowout causes often trace back to:
- Tire oxidation (rubber hardening and loss of flexibility)
- High temperatures and poor storage conditions
- Underinflated air pressure and neglected maintenance
- Aging spare tires that were never rotated into use
Aging tires can appear fine on the outside, but their internal layers can separate at highway speeds, causing a catastrophic tire blowout. That’s why safety experts emphasize that tread wear is only one part of the picture.
How Old Is Too Old for a Tire and When Should You Replace It?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and major tire manufacturers, such as Michelin, recommend inspecting tires regularly and replacing them after a certain number of years.
The Six-Year and Ten-Year Rules
- Six-Year Rule: Most experts recommend replacing tires that are six years old, even if tread depth seems fine.
- Ten-Year Maximum: Regardless of appearance, tires should not be used beyond ten years from their production date.
Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and sunlight accelerate rubber aging. Drivers in South Carolina, for example, face faster tire degradation due to our region’s warm climate.
If your tires were manufactured more than 5 to 6 years ago, check the DOT tire date code immediately. Your vehicle manufacturer’s manual may also provide tire replacement age guidelines specific to your model.
Can Old Tires Cause Accidents and Injuries?
Yes. Old tires are a major cause of car accident injuries across the U.S. As rubber degrades, the bond between the tire tread and internal steel belts weakens, leading to tread separation or sudden tire blowouts. These incidents often happen at high speeds, resulting in:
- Loss of steering control
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Severe or fatal injuries
When a tire fails due to age or defect, victims may have grounds for a tire defect lawsuit or personal injury claim. Proving tire failure liability, however, requires professional investigation.
