What does dot on a tire stand for?
This includes details about the tire's basic characteristics, construction, various capacities (load, speed, inflation pressure, etc.), as well as the DOT (Department of Transportation) Tire Identification Number. The DOT number is used for safety standard certification and also in the event of a tire recall by the manufacturer.
What does a dot on a tire mean?
What is the DOT number on a tire? DOT represents the Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration introduced by the U.S in 1971. The DOT numbers on tires approve that the tire manufacturer meets all the safety criteria of this organization. The longer number set is more widely known on all tires after the year 2000. This is the common and reliable way to read your complete tire specifications like the time and the place of production. How To Read Tire Codes Date?
How to find a tire's dot number?
Scan the tire sidewall in a clockwise pattern and find the letters "DOT" (which signifies the tire's compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation's laws & regulations). Just to the right of "DOT" (going clockwise) are a series of letters and numbers, followed by an encircled group of four, tightly spaced numbers - these are the numbers you need.
What do the dots on new tires mean?
What Are Those Yellow Dots On My Tires?
- Keeping A Balance. To understand why that dot is there, it helps to know a little bit about how tire and wheel balancing works.
- Dot Marks The Spot. Where do the yellow dots come in? ...
- Not Absolutely Necessary, But Definitely Helpful. ...
Does DOT tire matter?
On the sidewall of most new tyres are red and yellow painted dots. If these marks are aligned with particular points on the wheel, you will reduce the amount of weight required for balancing. The less lead weight used, the lower the cost of wheel balancing and the higher the profit on the job.
Do all tires have DOT?
Every tire sold in the United States has a DOT code stamped on the side. A complete tire DOT code will begin with the letters DOT and is followed by 10-12 letters and numbers.
How old can a DOT tire be?
Some tire manufacturers cite 6 years, others recommend 10 years as the maximum service life for tires. tire identification number (TIN). The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture.
What if a tire does not have DOT?
If your tire doesn't have a DOT number branded on its side, the tire doesn't meet all U.S. requirements. Not all tires are intended to be imported and sold in the United States, so the tire may have been developed and produced without being tested and confirmed to meet the U.S. Federal Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
What makes a tire DOT approved?
The DOT symbol certifies that the tire is compliant with the U.S. Department of Transportation's safety standards. According to DOT regulations, Tire Identification Numbers (TIN) must begin with the letters DOT, followed by eight to 13 characters.
How do I know if my tires are DOT approved?
The "DOT" symbol certifies the tire manufacturer's compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tire safety standards. Tires made in the United States have the DOT serial number located on the inside sidewall near the rim.
Do tires expire if not used?
If not used, tires last for 6-10 years, depending on the storage and environmental conditions. Overall, the time limits for stored tires are much the same as for tires that are being used.
How long is tires good for after DOT date?
six yearsA large body of scientific evidence supports that most tires should be replaced six years from the date they are manufactured. This six-year expiration date begins from the day the tire was manufactured at the plant—not the date it was sold to a consumer or the date that it was installed on a vehicle.
Is it OK to use 10 year old tires?
Any tire over ten years old is too weak to ensure safe driving. At this age, it's imperative that you replace your tires. For your safety, we will not service any tires aged 10 years or older.
At what PSI does DOT consider a tire flat?
A flat tire is an 8-point deduction; an under-inflated tire is a 3-point hit. By law, a flat tire is any tire with a psi at 50% or less of the tire's stated maximum psi embossed on the sidewall. For every 10 psi a tire is underinflated, there is a 1.5% loss of fuel economy.
How many years are tires good for?
It may be tentative, but tires do have an expiration date. There is a general consensus that most tires should be inspected, if not replaced, at about six years and should be absolutely be swapped out after 10 years, regardless of how much tread they have left.
Where is the DOT code on a tire?
inside sidewallThe DOT serial number located on the inside sidewall near the rim. The letters “DOT” are followed by eight to thirteen letters and/or numbers that identify where the tire was manufactured, tire size and the manufacturer's code, along with the week and year the tire was manufactured.
Where is the DOT code on a tire?
inside sidewallThe DOT serial number located on the inside sidewall near the rim. The letters “DOT” are followed by eight to thirteen letters and/or numbers that identify where the tire was manufactured, tire size and the manufacturer's code, along with the week and year the tire was manufactured.
Where does the red DOT go when mounting a tire?
First, if the tire has a red dot, the yellow dot is ignored! The red dot is then lined up with either the “low point dimple” (on steel wheels) or next to the valve stem on alloy wheels. Regardless of the type of wheel, if there is no red dot, the yellow dot is positioned next to the valve stem.
Where does the yellow DOT go when mounting a tire?
Weight Method (Yellow Mark) When performing weight match-mounting, the yellow mark on the tire, indicating the point of lightest weight, should be aligned with the valve stem on the wheel assembly, which represents the heaviest weight point of the wheel assembly.
Why do new tires have colored dots?
The spots on the sidewall of your tires were specifically placed by the manufacturer to guide the tire installation process. In fact, these colored dots serve a specific purpose in helping the tire technician correctly balance the tire.
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What does the dot number mean on a tire?
But where can you find it and what do the letters and numbers mean? The "DOT" symbol certifies the tire manufacturer's compliance with the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NH TSA) ...
How many letters are in DOT?
The letters “DOT” are followed by eight to thirteen letters and/or numbers that identify where the tire was manufactured, tire size and the manufacturer’s code, along with the week and year the tire was manufactured. Below is a description of the serial number.
Where is the decade symbol on a tire?
To identify tires manufactured in the 90s, a decade symbol (a triangle on its side) is located at the end of the DOT serial number. You Might Also Like. Seven Tire Maintenance Tips for Your Next Road Trip.
What does 17 mean on a tire?
The 17 number indicates it was manufactured during 2017. Prior to year 2000 three numbers are used for the date of manufacture. The first two numbers identify the week and the last number identifies the year of manufacture. To identify tires manufactured in the 90s, a decade symbol (a triangle on its side) is located at the end ...
What is the responsibility of a dot tire?
As a motor carrier or driver, it’s your responsibility to know DOT tire regulations and conduct regular checks to ensure your equipment is always in working order. With the numerous regulations and interpretations of DOT tire standards, it’s helpful to have an understanding of how they may, or may not affect drivers, carriers, ...
What is the tread depth of a tire?
Per code section 393.75 (c), “tires shall have a tread groove pattern depth of at least 2/32 of an inch when measured in a major tread groove.” It also states that measurements can’t be taken “where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.” DOT steer tire regulations state that depth is at least 4/32 of an inch. Not following these rules may lead to the driver being cited.
Why is it important to keep your tires in good working order?
Quality tires that are in good working order will provide: Performance: Properly balanced tires with good tread and pressure will help your truck move smoothly on the road.
Why is it important to check your tires?
Importance of Checking Tires. Just like a car, commercial trucks and trailers require regular tire maintenance to prevent costly repairs or even accidents. As drivers, your tires are an essential component of your rig , and one of the easiest things to check and maintain.
Why are steer tires important?
Steer tires are extremely important to the overall efficiency and safety of a commercial trailer. They take more wear from rubbing on curbs and affect the overall handling of the truck. Since they’re so important, you want to make sure that the steer tire you choose is high-quality so that it can withstand weather and road conditions over time.
What is the depth of a steer tire?
DOT steer tire regulations state that depth is at least 4/32 of an inch. Not following these rules may lead to the driver being cited. Another consideration are the regulations set by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
Why invest in high quality tires?
Additionally, investing in higher quality tires can improve performance and efficiency for those long journeys. If you notice the truck pulling or vibrating, be sure to check the tires for damage or lack of tread. Not only will your truck drive well, but you may save some money on fuel with well-balanced tires.
What does the DOT code on a tire tell you?
It tells you who manufactured the tire, where it was made, and other tracking information. Plus, it indicates that the tire has passed the Department of Transportation’s testing and NHTSA manufacturer requirements. The raised numbers of the DOT Code are placed together and often enclosed in a raised oval.
What Is Tire DOT Date Code?
This symbol indicates the tire manufacturer’s compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety standards. It tells you who manufactured the tire, where it was made, and other tracking information. Plus, it indicates that the tire has passed the Department of Transportation’s testing and NHTSA manufacturer requirements.
Why Should I Be Concerned About the DOT Date Code?
Just because you buy “new” tires doesn’t mean they were actually made recently. It can take a while for tires to reach tire retailers after being shipped from the manufacturer. Checking your tires’ DOT Date Code will tell you when they were made and how long they may have been stored. It is important to know that tires are often for months or years at a time, so your tire’s DOT code might not be in the same year you bought the tires, and that’s not a concern.
How to tell when tires were made?
Checking your tires’ DOT Date Code will tell you when they were made and how long they may have been stored. It is important to know that tires are often for months or years at a time, so your tire’s DOT code might not be in the same year you bought the tires, and that’s not a concern.
What does 07 mean on a tire?
The second two numbers are the year the tire was manufactured. In the image below, we see the 07, indicating the tire was build in 2007. This particular tire was made in the 35th week of 2007. On tires that were manufactured in 2000 and after, the last four digits indicate the week and year the tire was produced.
How does proper storage affect the life of a tire?
Proper Storage Increases the Life of the Tire . When stored properly and protected from the elements, tires age quite slowly. The Rubber Manufacturers Association has said there’s no way to put a date on when tires actually “expire.”. There are too many factors that impact the true age of a tire.
What is the most important aspect of tire safety?
No matter how old the tires are when you buy them, the most important aspect of tire safety is regular maintenance and inspection. According to the The Rubber Manufacturer’s Association of America and the Tire & Rubber Association of Canada.
What is the DOT number on a tire?
What is the DOT number on a tire? DOT represents the Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration introduced by the U.S in 1971. The DOT numbers on tires approve that the tire manufacturer meets all the safety criteria of this organization.
How many digits are in a tire number?
Tire series number for manufacturing date made before the year 2000 consists of three digits instead of four. In particular, the first two indicate the production week, and the final one refers to the year.
How to check tire manufacture date?
Some drivers might be confused about the ways to get a tire DOT number. If you are also in that situation, here is the tip on how to read DOT numbers on tires you may need.
How About The Incomplete DOT Numbers?
The incomplete DOT numbers determine the prevailing DOT rules, in which the entire number needs to be signed only on one tire sidewall. In other words, if you discover some characters on one sidewall, check the opposite sidewall to get the whole DOT number.
What is a tire date code?
Tire Date Codes are also called Tire Identification Number (TIN). Normally, the Department of Transportation offers up to 13 characters to let you know essential information about your tire manufacture. How to read DOT tire codes on your tire? The answer is below.
How many numbers are in a tire date?
Since 2000, the date of manufacture includes four numbers. The first two digits signify the tire manufacturing week and the latter two characters represent the year of production.
What does the first two characters mean on a tire?
The first two characters stand for plant code , which the manufacturer assigns the code for. The following one or two characters denote the size code of your tire.
What does the dot number mean on a tire?
The last three numbers represent the week and the year in which the tire was manufactured.
What is the DOT code?
The DOT code is something that's listed on every tire that's legally manufactured for sale in the United States of America for use on public roadways. You won’t find this on tire’s intended for racing, competition off-roading, farm equipment, etc.
Why do you need to stamp a tire?
The DOT requires tire manufacturers to stamp the code on each and every tire. The reason for the DOT code is, first and foremost, vehicle safety. For example, the code helps with safety by making it possible to track sales. This information is used to target the owners of tires in the event of a tire recall.
When was the DOT code changed?
The DOT Code has changed over the past three decades, allowing the system to evolve so that it's easier to read for consumers as well as retailers. The current coding system was put in place in the year 2000. At present, the DOT code begins with three letters: DOT.
What is necessary for all tire companies that plan to market and sell their products in a variety of world markets?
One thing that is necessary for all tire companies that plan to market and sell their products in a variety of world markets is proper coding. These codes are based on specific legal demands that are leveled by any number of governing bodies.
When was the 1405 tire made?
For example, if the final four numbers read 1405, the tire was manufactured in the fourteenth week of 2005, or March 2005. This code varies slightly from decades prior, when a three-digit code was used.
Is the construction of tires complicated?
The construction and sale of tires is far more complicated than the average person realizes. Tire technology has continually progressed to meet the demands of the ever-changing automotive industry, as well as other industries that incorporate the use of precisely matched tires for optimal vehicle function.
How to tell the year of a tire?
Remember that the last four digits of the code are the date the tire was manufactured. You can check the first two digits of the DOT code to know the week of the manufacturing. The last two digits will reveal the manufacturing year. For instance, when it was written in 0203, the manufacturing year was 2003. But it is a bit tricky to know the manufacturing year of tires manufactured before 2000.
How to know if a tire was manufactured in the 2nd week of the year?
You need to check the last three digits of the DOT code. Check the first two digits to know the week. For instance, when the last three digits read 022, you should understand that the tire was manufactured in the 2nd week of that year. You might be thinking about how to know the year. The year is the 2nd year of that decade. It is easy to get confused to know the decade. It might be harder to know the exact decade. There might be some other indications to know the year.
What does "incomplete dot number" mean?
Incomplete DOT numbers mean the current DOT regulations demand the complete number to be written on one sidewall only. When you find a few digits on the opposite sidewall, you can check the other sidewall to find the complete DOT number.
What do the dots on a tire mean?
These dots are painted on the sidewall of new tires. They mark and guide the position that needs to be aligned with certain points on the wheel, which ensures the balance of the wheel. When these dots are properly aligned with the desired points of the wheel, it will take the minimal weight for balancing.
Why do tires have yellow dots?
Then, the technician has to line up the yellow dot with the position of the valve stem because it’s located at the heaviest point of the wheel.
What does the red dot mean?
There are high points and low points due to the points where the belts are joined, which can result in vibrations when the tire is rolling.
Why do you need less lead weight on a tire?
This helps optimize the balance of the tire, meaning less lead weight is needed to balance out the wheel and the tire. Ultimately, you get a longer-lasting tire with a quieter, more comfortable ride. It also results in less money spend on balance.
How long do tires last?
The average life span of a new tire is from 4 to 5 years. A typical set of tires will last between 60,000 and 75,000 miles, but there are different factors wearing out your tires so the exact life span depends on each specific case.
What do the dots on tires mean?
These dots can be used to mount tires for optimum initial balance and minimum ride disturbance – where the dots go depends on which dots – and which wheels you have.
What does the red dot on a tire do?
The tire is a bit “thicker” near the red dot, which has the effect of pushing the wheel and axle upward as the red dot gets to 6 o’clock. Meanwhile, the fact that the wheel is a bit heavier at the valve stem location generates a centrifugal force effect trying to pull the axle downward as the valve stem get to 6 o’clock. Those forces tend to counteract each other.”
Why do the dots on my tires go where they go?
Why do the tire dots go where they do? Simply put – the tire is a bit lighter in the area where the yellow dot is located, and a bit thicker where the red dot is located. On an alloy wheel, the valve stem marks the heavy point of the wheel. By matching the light point of the tire with the heavy point of the wheel it’s likely to give ...
What is the low point dimple on a steel wheel?
On a steel wheel the low point dimple marks the thinner part of the wheel – so it makes sense to match the red dot to the wheel dimple. Abiding by these guidelines results in a precise – uniform placing and usage of wheel weights when balancing your vehicle’s tires.
What is the phone number for tire balancing?
For tire balancing or any other tire issues, call us at (847) 381-6691
Where does the red dot go on a wheel?
Red dot MUST go to the opposite side (must line up) of the valve stem on alloy wheels.
Do the dots on a tire matter?
Just because you have a dot doesn’t mean that the tire is just short of being a reject. I’d expect a modern small car tire to be less than 1/2 ounce out of balance; and that’s were it would get the dot. If you look at your rims and there is one area with a bunch of weights; you might have a problem. If your rims only have one or two weights; the dots didn’t matter much.
