DOT Codes

DOT codes are US government tyre identification number. Each DOT code will usually comprise of 11 or 12 letters and numbers and gives information about, amongst other things, where and when the tyre was manufactured. The first two letters indicate the plant in which the tyre was produced (a list of these is available on the Internet here www.harriger.com/tiremakers.htm) and the last three or (since Y2K) four indicate when it was made.

For example, a DOT code beginning WA and ending 2102 refers to a tyre built in the Firestone factory in Bethune France in week 21 year 2002. Each manufacturer will have several factory codes referring to various plants around the world.

Ant other numbers or letters contained within the DOT code are used by the tyre manufacturers to identify tyre size, construction and pattern etc.

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