DOT Tire markings

[Ron Hambrecht]

Does anyone know when DOT markings started showing up on tires ? Is it possible to have a DOT marking on a 1970 tire ?

[Brian M.]

Re: DOT Tire markings

I believe 1968.

[Terry M.]

Re: DOT Tire markings

Not only is it possible for a 1970 produced tire to have DOT markings, it is essential.

[Duke W.]

Re: DOT Tire markings

Look for a series of characters - letter and numbers ending with a three digit number such as 130. This indicates the tire was produced in the 13th week of 1970, 1980, or 1990. Beginning in 2000 the date code expanded to four digits,the last two being the last two digits of the year, so we don't have to guess the decade.

Duke

[Terry M.]

Re: DOT Tire markings

Duke that 11 character code, ending with the week and year was not mandated to begin until January 1, 1971. I have seen some tires produced later in January 1971 with the old date codes still in use, so my guess is that all manufacturers plants did not comply right at the stroke of the new year.
A tire produced in 1970 will have DOT markings, but will also have the older, manufacturer's proprietary date code.

[Duke W.]

Oops - thanks for setting the record straight. *NM*