When did you throw away winter tires?

Hi guys, have a Smart 451 as a downtown car and winter tyres with DOT 08. The profiles are still available enough but last time I had to drive really slowly otherwise I always had wheelspin and when braking always had to intervene ABS. Did the tires become hard or do I have too much air pressure on them? How can I find out for myself? Do you really have to throw away tyres after 5 years? Greetings Gimix