Tire dot code lookup: What these number mean

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your vehicle’s tires? or simply curious about their age? In this regard, understanding the DOT code is crucial. This code holds key information regarding the tire’s speed rating, age, load index size, and many more.

Throughout this discussion, we’ll delve into the detail about the DOT codes, covering their meanings and unraveling the mysteries they hold. From identification numbers to their corresponding significances, we’ll surely cover it all.

So, if you’re interested by our subject, delve into the depths of this reading till the very end.

Let’s embark on this journey of tire knowledge.

Tire dot code lookup

 

 

Basic Information about the dot code on tires?

DOT stands for Department Of Transportation which was established by the U.S Congress in the 1960s. The main purpose of the establishment is to oversee the public transportation. 

The dot oversees around 11 agencies as well as gives commands and sets guidelines for the transformational, vehicles. It includes trucking, railroads, airways, and other transportation. 

Moreover, NHTSA which is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets laws and standards for the tires that are sold to Americans or every vehicle and equipment.

How to read a DOT Number?

If you want to read a DOT number on the tire of your vehicle then you surely can. Have a sight on the DOT letters on the tire and then keep focusing on the strings letters and alphabets. These are the things that you need to be conscious about. 

Each tire has its unique code and is mostly found on the sidewall of the tires. Some of the company manufacturers like to index their tires serially but it is not the dot code. As dot code holds the information about the location along with the manufacturing details of the tire.

 

DOT Plant Code

The first letters written on tires mentioned about the information where the tire is made. Like if you found 4U on the tire then it indicates that the tires were made in the Philippines at Yokohama Tire’s Company. 

Moreover, If you find any other number on your tire and want to know the exact location of manufacturing then you need to do a DOT Code lookup. 

Took a plant number that is mentioned on the tire and contains 2 or 3 digits just after a dot. Then go to the NHTSA vPIC database on the website and get to know all the details by filling out and completing the form.

DOT Manufacturing Date

The last digits mentioned on the tire are the code of the manufacturing date of the tire. These digits are four where the first 2 mention the week of manufacturing and the last two or next two indicate the year. 

For example, if you find 1621, then it means the 16th week of 2021. This will help you to understand the age of your vehicle’s tire.

How old can DOT Tires be?

The age of a vehicle tire is normally 6 years but it can exceed to few more years if you take needed care of your vehicle’s tires. It is recommended to change your tires after 10 years maximum. 

Remember that the tires have an age of more than 10 years is a subject to dry rot. That is too dangerous because the rubber, thread, and tire material may get cracked and can cause the blow-up of your tire. 

That is why it is recommended to check your tires timely and replace them if you find any faults. The age of DOT Tire also affects the smoothness of your driving. If the tires are new then you will surely get a smooth drive as compared to the 7 years old tires.

 

Checking the tire tread wear

While checking and concerned about the tires of your vehicle, it is necessary to check your thread wear frequently. Check the thread of your tire along with the material quality. If the rubber compound is too hard then it is a red sign for you. 

Furthermore, lose threads are not good enough for your tire and can harm the smoothness of driving. These are the factors that affect the age of your tire too that you should need to focus on.

The Bottom Line

That’s all about this reading. I hope you are satisfied with the discussion and happy to find this content helpful. Here, we have delivered the best way to understand about the tire code. 

Make sure to check your tire’s health from time to time. If you don’t know the exact way of checking and installing then make sure to consult with the manufacturer.