Some drivers do not cover long distances, which is why there is still enough profile on the tires even after many years.
However, they should be replaced after a certain period of time.
For most drivers, the seasonal tire change is due twice a year, and there are a few things to keep in mind if you do it yourself.
One or the other circumvents the problem with all-season tires - which, however, are not suitable for every driver's profile.
It is also not advisable to continue driving with winter tires in summer – and vice versa, of course.
A minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimeters is required by law for tires – which, however, is considered the absolute minimum.
At least three millimeters are recommended for summer tires and at least four millimeters for winter tires.
But: Is there actually something like an expiry date for tires?
Tire change is pending: At what age should new ones be made?
According to the ADAC, there is no legal requirement for the maximum age of car tires in Germany.
However, there are recommendations from experts as to when tires should be replaced – even if they still have sufficient tread.
First of all, you should know how to find out the age of a tire in the first place.
The production date of the tires is revealed by the so-called DOT number on the sidewall: The four-digit number in the last block consists of the week and year of manufacture: A tire with the embossing 2322 would therefore have been produced in calendar week 23 of the year 2022.
Replacing tyres: Weather conditions take their toll on tyres
The problem: the properties of a tire change for the worse over time.
Extreme temperatures, UV light or humidity, for example, can accelerate this process.
For example, the elasticity and the adhesion of the tires deteriorate.
The material becomes more brittle and cracked.
According to a DEKRA study from 2018, the risk of a tire failing increases significantly from the age of six.
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There is no legal regulation for the age of car tires - but there are recommendations from experts as to when they should be replaced.
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Replacing tires: ADAC recommends replacing winter tires after eight years at the latest
Hardening is a problem, especially with "soft" winter tires.
The ADAC therefore recommends not using winter tires from the age of eight.
Summer tires should be replaced no later than ten years after production.
When it comes to new tires, it's also worth paying attention to the quality - in the most recent summer tire test by the automobile club, seven tires failed with the grade "poor".
According to the experts, some of these tires are “fire hazard”.
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Replacing tires after a certain age: legal regulation only for trailers and caravans
Incidentally, there is a legal regulation for the age of tires for trailers and caravans that are approved for speeds of up to 100 km/h: These must be replaced after six years at the latest.
Anyone who has their tires changed in the workshop should be informed by the professionals anyway if the tires are no longer in order.
If you want to change them yourself, you should take a close look at the tires when storing them - and check them for damage on the one hand and the production date on the other.
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