The Silent Risk of Expired Tyres
In Pakistan’s open tyre markets—from Lahore’s Montgomery Road to Karachi’s Jama Cloth and Islamabad’s G-10—you’ll often find tyres that look brand new, shiny, and even come in wrapping. But what many buyers don’t realize is that some of these tyres were manufactured years ago and are technically expired. Driving on such tyres increases your risk of blowouts, weak grip, and sudden failure—especially in the scorching Pakistani summers. The only way to protect yourself is to learn how to read a tyre’s manufacturing date—and know when to walk away.
Where is the Manufacturing Date on a Tyre?
Every tyre sold globally is required to display its date of manufacture, typically in the form of a 4-digit code embedded in an oval stamp on the tyre’s sidewall. This code is part of the DOT (Department of Transportation) marking and reveals the week and year the tyre was made.
How to Read It:
- A code like 2921 means the tyre was manufactured in the 29th week of 2021.
- A code like 0719 indicates the 7th week of 2019.
Look for a small oval outline on the sidewall, often located after a longer string of characters beginning with “DOT”. The last four digits are your key to understanding tyre age.
Why Tyre Age Matters in Pakistan
Rubber degrades over time—even if the tyre has never been driven. Factors like heat, humidity, and improper storage accelerate this process. In Pakistan, many imported tyres sit in godowns for 2–3 years before even reaching a shop shelf.
According to global standards from brands like Michelin and Bridgestone, tyres are considered safe for use up to 6 years from manufacturing date and should be fully replaced within 10 years, regardless of tread.
However, in Pakistani driving conditions—especially where summer heat reaches over 40°C and roads are rough—it’s best to avoid tyres older than 4 years, even if unused.
Risks of Driving on Old Tyres
- Rubber Cracking: Sidewalls and treads may appear fine but internally start to split.
- Weak Bonding: Layers inside the tyre can separate, causing tread separation at high speeds.
- Poor Wet Grip: The flexibility of the rubber declines, reducing traction during rains or braking.
- Tyre Burst Risk: Old tyres are more prone to sudden deflation due to weakened material.
This is especially dangerous for highway travellers and heavy SUVs where tyre failures can be catastrophic.
Common Dealer Tactics to Mislead You
Not all tyre shops in Pakistan are honest about tyre age. Some shopkeepers polish the tyres and remove dust to make them appear new. Others may hide the date code by stacking tyres in a way that the DOT side faces the wall.
In worse cases, certain sellers rebrand older tyres as “new surplus stock” or claim “these were imported late but are fresh.” Always inspect the manufacturing code yourself—never rely solely on verbal assurance.
What to Check Before Buying a Tyre
Here’s a simple checklist to follow whenever you buy new tyres in Pakistan—whether online or from a retail shop:
- Find and read the 4-digit manufacturing code (DOT)
- Check if the tyre is less than 12–18 months old
- Inspect for signs of aging like hairline cracks or dryness
- Ask about storage conditions (direct sun exposure = faster degradation)
- If buying online, request photos of the date code before payment
Reputable platforms like TyrePoint.pk usually list date information and offer warranties, while marketplaces like OLX or informal shops may not.
When Should You Reject a Tyre Based on Age?
You should avoid buying tyres if:
- The date code shows they are older than 3 years from today
- They were stored outside or exposed to moisture and heat
- You plan to drive on highways, in heat, or for long distances
An older tyre may still be usable on rural roads or low-speed vehicles, but not for city cars, hybrids, or highway SUVs where braking and load impact is critical.
Resale Caution: Don’t Sell Expired Tyres Without Disclosure
Just like you’d want transparency when buying, offer it when selling. If you’re listing used tyres on platforms like PakWheels, mention the manufacturing date clearly. Selling 5-year-old tyres as “like new” can put another driver’s life at risk—and hurt your credibility in the process.
Final Word: Date Code = Peace of Mind
Tyres may look identical on the outside, but age makes all the difference when it comes to safety. Always inspect the DOT date code before buying, regardless of price or packaging. A tyre that’s even two years too old might save you Rs. 3,000 today—but could cost you far more in repairs, fuel loss, or safety later. Buy smart, inspect thoroughly, and don’t fall for polished appearances. When in doubt, buy from a verified dealer who displays age info upfront.
