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Renewing tyres > < Storing the tyres

A3 Mk1

Tyre ageing
Tyre ageing
Tyres age as a result of physical and chemical processes whereby the function can be impaired. Tyres which are stored for long periods of time harden and become brittle faster than tyres which are constantly in use on a vehicle. Older tyres may develop hairline cracks as a result of ageing. When tyres are in regular use, the constant flexing activates softeners in the rubber, preventing hardening and the development of cracks.
It is therefore important to not only take into account the tread depth, but also the age of spare tyres, stored tyres and tyres which are not permanently in use. The tyre age can be seen on the DOT designation, which includes the production date of the tyre.
DOT number (example):
   
DOT......5002<
      Stands for 2002
    Year of manufacture 
  Calendar week 

In this example, the production date is the 50th week of 2002 (the DOT number had 3 digits up to 31 December 1999).
Recommendation:
t  We recommend that you only use tyres which are older than 6 years in emergencies and make sure you then drive with great caution.
t  When new tyres are fitted, the spare tyre may also be used if it is in perfect condition and not more than 6 years old. The age of the tyre has a great influence on the high-speed capability of the tyre. It is possible to combine a spare tyre which is several years old with new tyres, however, this can have an adverse influence on car handling.
t  Tyres are constantly being further developed, which can lead, for example, to slight changes in the rubber compound, even if the tyres are of the same make, size and tread pattern.
t  For reasons of safety, tyres of the same make and with the same tread pattern should be mounted on one axle. All Audi vehicles are factory-fitted with four identical tyres and wheels.
t  Vehicles with four-wheel drive must always be equipped with four wheels with tyres of the same size, construction, tread pattern and make.
   

Renewing tyres > < Storing the tyres