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Classic cars often cover very few miles, which means the tires can have plenty of tread and still be well past their safe lifespan. Rubber ages whether the car moves or not.
How to read the date code
Look at the sidewall for the letters DOT followed by a series of characters. The last four digits show when the tire was made: the first two are the week of the year and the last two are the year. A code of 2318, for example, means the 23rd week of 2018. Three-digit codes were used before 2000, which is a sign the tire is quite old.
How old is too old?
There is no single legal cutoff in the United States, and recommendations vary. Many tire makers and safety experts suggest having tires inspected regularly after about five years and replacing them at around ten years from the date of manufacture, regardless of tread. Heat, sunlight, ozone and neglect can shorten that. Cracks in the sidewall, bulges, dry rot and vibration are all reasons to replace sooner.
Don’t forget the spare
The spare tire in a garage-kept classic is often original and very old. Check it too.
Choosing replacements
You generally have three choices. Modern radials in the correct size offer better grip, better braking and better ride quality, and they work for many classics. Reproduction bias-ply tires keep the original look and feel, which matters for show cars and some period-correct builds, but they handle differently. Specialty tire makers offer period-looking radials with modern construction, a middle path many owners like. Check the manufacturer’s recommended tire size and load rating, and confirm the wheel width will support what you choose.
Keep them healthy
Check the pressures regularly, keep tires out of direct sunlight in storage, and avoid parking on bare oil-stained concrete for long periods. If you are buying a car, check the tire date codes and factor the cost of new rubber into your offer. It is a quick way to understand how much a classic is worth, and what you may need to spend on day one.
