I got this information from Allen Hendrix in the past.
Below is an example of a DOT Safety Standard Code.
DOT MA L9 ABCD 036
The following information will tell you how to read serial numbers on all
new tires:
DOT means the tire meets or exceeds Department of Transportation's safety
standards.
"MA" is the code number assigned by DOT to the manufacturing plant.
"L9" is the tire size; in this case a P195/70 14.
"ABCD" is a group of up to four symbols, optional with the manufacturer, to
identify the brand or other significant characteristics of the tire.
"036" means the tire was made during the 3rd week of 1996. The first two
numbers designates the week, the last number the year.
Allen Hendrix asks" Do you know your tires may be dangerous even though they
look great on the outside?"
Tire manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced after ten years of
service no matter how many miles they have traveled. The danger comes from the
steel belts rusting as well as the rubber drying from the "inside to the
visible sides". Dry rubber and rusting belts can cause tire failure at any
speed. Allen provided the chart above to recognize and understand the date
codes. How old are your tires? In some cases the tires have been in inventory
some time before you purchase them.
Carl Brown
1959 BN6
1966 BJ8
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