What does a tyre’s manufacture date tell a buyer, and what other factors matter?

Automatically reviewed answer

The final four digits of a tyre’s date code show the week and year it was made. The date alone does not tell you how the tyre was stored, what condition it is in, or whether it suits your car. A tyre made just over a year ago is not automatically unsuitable. Ask the seller about storage and check for cracks, bulges or other damage. Before buying, check the required size, load index and speed rating in your vehicle documents, and choose a tyre suited to your driving conditions. Where an EU tyre label is available, use its wet-grip, efficiency and external-noise ratings to compare your options.