ADAC Warns: Replace Winter Tires After 8 Years, Summer After 10
The ADAC, Germany's leading automotive club, advises motorists to replace their winter tires after eight years and summer tires after ten years, citing safety concerns due to aging. This recommendation, backed by a DEKRA study, highlights the importance of checking tire sidewalls for the production date, not just tread depth and pressure.
Tires age even with proper storage, developing tiny cracks and losing elasticity over time. The ADAC warns that tires older than eight years for winter and ten years for summer may not provide optimal safety, despite sufficient tread depth. A DEKRA study supports this, showing a significant increase in tire failure risk after six years, particularly for winter tires.
Most drivers focus on checking tread depth and tire pressure but overlook crucial information on tire sidewalls. The DOT number on tire sidewalls reveals the production date, with the last four digits indicating the week and year. For example, '5219' means the tire was produced in the 52nd week of 2019.
In Germany, there's no legal age limit for car tires, but trailers and caravans must be replaced at the latest after six years. To ensure safety, the ADAC recommends replacing winter tires after eight years and summer tires after ten years, regardless of tread depth. Regularly inspect tire sidewalls for the production date and consider replacing tires based on age, not just visible wear.
