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From the Rospa Site

Tyre Ageing

Rubber compounds used in tyres contain anti-oxidising chemicals that help to slow down the natural ageing process of untreated rubber. However, tyres do deteriorate with age, which increases the risk of tyre failure, and there are many ways in which this can be spotted:

• Cracking/crazing on the side wall of the tyre, caused by its flexing
• Distortion of tyre tread
• Deformation of the carcass of the tyre

There will also be a deterioration of the ride quality caused by vibrations through the tyre. This may signify the tyre's performance has been affected by age and should be investigated as soon as possible.

All tyres that display signs of ageing should be removed and not put to further use.

Tyres that have been in storage should not be placed into use if they are over 6 years old, from their date of manufacture. When a tyre has been in use, the effects of ageing are lessened to a degree, but such tyres should be replaced after 10 years.

The effects of ageing can be brought about prematurely in several conditions. Tyres fitted as spare wheels or used on caravans and trailers may age prematurely. If tyres on caravans or trailers are not in regular use, then they should be inspected before every journey. Tyres used predominantly in coastal areas will age at a greater rate due to the saline conditions, and several cleaning products may also harm the chemicals in the rubber.

In most circumstances tread depth can be used as a suitable indication of when tyres should be replaced - as tyre treads generally wear out before their age effects their performance. However, the age of a tyre will affect its safety and increase the risk of failure, and you should inspect tyres for the signs of aging regularly.

There is no law on age of tyres the below advise may help those that are worried about there tyyres.

So how do you find out the age of your tyre? First of all look for the DOT (Department of Transport) number on the side of the tyre. These were introduced in 2000, and tell you the week number and the year your tyre was manufactured. They are the last three, or four digits at the end of the DOT marking. If it’s older than five years, examine the side wall very closely. You’re looking for age-related cracking. This is like a very fine crazing on the sidewall. The sidewall’s only purpose is to protect the body ply underneath. That crazing allows water and moisture to seep into the tyre. It can then attack the body ply, which is like the tyre’s skeleton. Once that gets damp it starts to lose its tensile strength and the tyre is more likely to fail. And that’s when accidents can happen. -

Hope this helps

Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 07/7/2015

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To me you sound like one of the most irresponsible people i have came across for not knowing how old the tires on your van were.9 years you say ? your lucky you didnt have a blow out and kill some one.If it were me,i would have kept it to myself.

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Quote: Originally posted by janus on 08/7/2015

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Jeff to be honest I thought your original comment unnecessary, it added nothing at all that was positive.

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