Tyre age and DOT code in Slovakia (2026) - how to check tyre age and tread depth
A tyre can have plenty of tread and still be too old. Or the other way round - it is new, but the tread no longer meets the law. We show how to read the age from the DOT code, what tread summer and winter tyres need under the Slovak rules in force in 2026, how to measure it and when to replace your tyres.
How to read the DOT code
On the tyre sidewall you will find the letters DOT followed by a group of letters and digits. The age is in the last four digits, often in an oval frame: the first two are the week, the last two the year of manufacture.
| Code | Tyre made in |
|---|---|
| 0819 | week 8 of 2019 (February) |
| 2321 | week 23 of 2021 (June) |
| 4524 | week 45 of 2024 (November) |
| 128 (3 digits) | before 2000 - no longer fit for a car |
- The full DOT code with the date is often on one side of the tyre only. If you cannot see it on the outside, look at the inner side - use your phone torch or take a photo.
- The characters before the date stand for the factory, size and tyre type. They do not matter for the age.
- The year of manufacture is not the year of purchase: a new tyre may have spent 1-2 years in a warehouse. If it was stored properly, that is fine.
How old can tyres be
Slovak law does not limit tyre age - condition and tread decide. But rubber ages even without driving: it hardens, cracks and grips worse on wet and cold roads. Winter tyres feel it first.
| Age since manufacture | What to do |
|---|---|
| up to 5 years | Regular tread and pressure checks. |
| 5-10 years | Yearly check at a tyre service - cracks, hardened rubber, bulges. |
| over 10 years | Take out of use, spare included - Continental's recommendation. |
When buying used tyres, 5-6 years is a sensible limit. Older tyres will not last long, even with plenty of tread.
Legal minimum tread depth in Slovakia in 2026
Under § 14(10) of Decree No. 134/2018 Coll., the depth of the main tread grooves must not be less than:
- 1.6 mm - cars and trucks normally, summer and all-season tyres.
- 3 mm - when winter tyres are required under § 38 of Act No. 8/2009 Coll.
- 1 mm - mopeds (category L1e).
When winter tyres are required
A car (categories M1 and N1) must have winter tyres on all axles when there is continuous snow, ice or frost on the road - there is no fixed date for cars. Trucks and buses over 3.5 t must have them from 15 November to 31 March on at least one driven axle. Tyres with the mountain symbol (3PMSF) or M+S marking count as winter tyres.
| Tyre | Legal minimum | Recommended to replace below | New tyre has |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 1.6 mm | 3 mm | 7-8 mm |
| Winter | 3 mm (in winter conditions) | 4 mm | 8-9 mm |
| All-season | 1.6 mm, 3 mm in winter conditions | 4 mm | 7-9 mm |
The main grooves are the wide grooves in the central part of the tread, covering about three quarters of its width. The tyre must also have no cracks or damage exposing the casing. Tread and tyre damage are also checked at the technical inspection: STK and EK
Full text of the regulations on Slov-Lex: Decree No. 134/2018 Coll., Act No. 8/2009 Coll.
How to measure tread depth
Measuring tread takes a minute. A gauge is the most precise, but you can get a rough idea without one.
Tread depth gauge
The most precise way. A gauge costs a few euros at a petrol station or car parts shop. Push the probe into a main groove, press it against the tread and read the millimetres.
TWI indicator
Small raised bars at the bottom of the grooves. Their position is marked on the tyre shoulder with the letters TWI or a small triangle. When the tread is level with them, 1.6 mm is left - the tyre needs replacing.
Coin
Rough guide only: the gold-coloured rim of a 1 € coin is about 3 mm. If you can see all of it in the groove, a summer tyre is at the recommended limit and a winter tyre already below it.
Measure each tyre at 3 points around the circumference, in the middle and at the edges of the tread. The lowest value counts.
When to replace tyres
Replace your tyres when at least one of these applies:
- Tread is below the legal minimum or below the recommended 3 mm for summer and 4 mm for winter tyres.
- Cracks on the sidewall or in the grooves - the rubber is old.
- A bulge on the sidewall - the casing is damaged, do not drive on it.
- Uneven tread wear - have the wheel alignment and pressure checked first.
- Visible cord, deep cuts or repairs on the sidewall.
- Age over 10 years, or over 6 years with hard, cracked rubber.
Keep the same tyres with similar tread on one axle. If you replace only two, put the new ones at the rear - the rear axle needs better grip so the car does not skid.
Tyre changes and checks: Tyre service Bratislava
Buying or selling used tyres
When buying used tyres or wheels, check on the spot:
- DOT on all 4 tyres - ideally the same year, not older than 5-6 years.
- Tread on each tyre in mm - at least 5 mm on winter tyres so they last several seasons.
- Sidewalls without cracks or bulges, inside and outside.
- No repairs on the sidewall.
- Size and indexes matching your car's registration certificate.
- For rims - no damage, the right bolt pattern and offset (ET).
Selling an old set? Put the age and tread right in the ad - buyers look for them first.
Common mistakes
- Looking only at tread and not at age.
- Looking for the DOT code only on the outside - the date is often on the inner side.
- Measuring tread only in the middle - the edges may be more worn.
- Driving on winter tyres with 3 mm or less in winter - it is at the edge of the law and braking distance on snow gets much longer.
- Buying "new" tyres that are 6 years old at full price.
- Storing tyres in the sun or next to a radiator - they age faster.
How to check tyre age and condition in 6 steps
Checking one set takes about 10 minutes.
Find the DOT code
On the sidewall after the letters DOT. If it is not on the outside, look at the inner side.
Read the date
The last 4 digits are the week and year of manufacture, e.g. 2321 = week 23 of 2021.
Work out the age
Over 5 years - have the tyre checked; over 10 years - take it out of use.
Measure the tread
With a gauge in the main grooves at 3 points around the tyre.
Compare with the limits
Law: 1.6 mm, 3 mm in winter conditions. Recommended: summer 3 mm, winter 4 mm.
Check the sidewalls
Look for cracks, bulges, cuts and repairs.
Do you offer tyre changes or checks?
Add your tyre service to OZNA.SK in the Pneuservis category - tyre changes, balancing and storage. Listing is free.
FAQ about tyre age and tread in Slovakia
How do I find out how old a tyre is?
From the DOT code on the sidewall - the last 4 digits are the week and year of manufacture, e.g. 2321 = week 23 of 2021.
Where is the DOT code on a tyre?
On the sidewall after the letters DOT; the date is usually in an oval frame. It is often on one side only - if you cannot see it on the outside, look inside.
How old can tyres be?
The law sets no age limit. Manufacturers recommend a yearly check after 5 years and taking tyres older than 10 years out of use.
What is the minimum tread depth in Slovakia in 2026?
1.6 mm under § 14(10) of Decree No. 134/2018 Coll. When winter tyres are required, 3 mm.
How much tread must winter tyres have?
With snow, ice or frost on the road, at least 3 mm. Experts recommend replacing winter tyres below 4 mm.
When are winter tyres mandatory in Slovakia?
For cars, when there is continuous snow, ice or frost on the road (§ 38 of Act No. 8/2009 Coll.). For trucks and buses over 3.5 t, from 15 November to 31 March.
How can I measure tread without a gauge?
Roughly by the TWI indicator in the grooves (level with it = 1.6 mm) or with a 1 € coin - its gold-coloured rim is about 3 mm.
Does the STK inspection check tyre age?
The law does not regulate age. The technical inspection assesses tread, damage and tyre size. Keep an eye on age yourself.
Is it OK to buy new tyres that are 2 years old?
Yes, if they were stored properly - dry, dark and cool. Tyres age mainly in use and in the sun.
What does a 3-digit DOT code mean?
The tyre was made before 2000. Do not fit it to a car.
More guides
Selling tyres →
What to ask, what to write in the ad and how to take photos.
Tyre service Bratislava →
Tyre changes, prices and storage.
STK and EK →
Prices, deadlines and what they check - tyres included.
How to buy a used car →
What to look at during the viewing and purchase.
Dashboard warning lights →
What they mean, including the tyre pressure light.
Car diagnostics →
When and where to get it and how much it costs.
You can read a tyre's age from the DOT code in seconds and measure the tread with a gauge in a minute. After 5 years keep a closer eye on your tyres, replace them after 10 years, and do not drive below 4 mm in winter - the law allows 3 mm, but safety needs more.
Published 24 Oct 2026 · Updated 24 Oct 2026
Information only - a tyre service can assess your tyres precisely.
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