Comments for
Problem figuring out DOT code for age

Click here to add your own comments

BF Goodrich Tire Code
by: Anonymous

Just bought 4 new tires BF Goodrich and the code after the DOT is: BEM3 FV11. How can I get a year of manufactured from this?



Editorial Comment:

You can't know the manufacture date from that because it is found in the last 4 characters of the 12 digit code.

Look on the other side of your tire. The full 12 digit code is normally placed only on one side of the tire due to the extra cost and time required to include the date on both sides.



TG
Date Code on One Side Only
by: Mark

If you cannot find your date code flip the tire over, the date code is added to the DOT code on one side only.

Mark
DOT Code is 12 characters long
by: Tireguy

A valid DOT code will have 12 characters following the DOT letters for a passenger car tire.

If there aren't 12 characters, you should be suspicious that some characters have been removed, or the tire isn't a validly approved tire meeting the DOT specs.

The DOT only requires the code to be on the tire, but a tire shop might mount the tire with the code facing outward or inward. If you can't see it from the outside, you may have to look at it from under the vehicle. This mounting isn't necessarily good or bad, unless the tire is designed to rotate in only one direction -- then the mounting is not optional.

Be very suspicious if there is no DOT code, or one which does not have the 12 characters. It may be a bogus brand, an illegally modified tire or anything else.

TG
Check both sides for DOT code
by: Jim

People really need to do as Anonymous said, check BOTH sides of the tire. Often the entire code is not stamped on the part facing outward but is on the side of the tire facing the inner part of the vehicle.
Michelin DOT
by: Anonymous

I have a similar alphanumeric DOT in my new Michelin tires. Anyone knows how to figure it out?
Tire Age
by: Anonymous

Michelin only puts the age on one side of the tire. Check the other side of your tire.
Tire Age???
by: Jack

I just checked my Michelin Hydroedge and found the following code:

DOT B9NX RK2X

Any guess on the age of this tire?


Hey Jack, the DOT code you've provided is incomplete. A complete code would have four digits following the ones you've written. These four digits will tell you the week number (from 01 to 52) and the year (last two digits) in which the tire was made. Without these numbers there's no way to tell.

TG

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Tire Concerns

Return to Problem figuring out DOT code for age

tireguy

Other useful links

Did you know we have a special
place to show-off your favorite wheels?
See the Hot Wheels Show Room

tell a friend image

Add To Favorites

Return to Tire Information World HOME page

Complimentary Treadwear Calculator
Click Here to Download your portable Treadwear Calculator Now!

Visit Tire Information World'sExclusive TireCare and Accessories Store.

More Offers