DOT Stamping

[Tim S.]

Can someone explain to me on how to read a DOT stamp on a tire? I woild like to determine the age of the tires I have on my cars.

Tim

[Tracy C.]

Re: DOT Stamping

Tim,

There was a recent article in the Corvette Restorer on this topic. I believe the format has changed over the years. It may help if you can post an approximate age with the code in question. A pic would really be helpful too.

tc

[John H.]

Re: DOT Stamping

Can someone explain to me on how to read a DOT stamp on a tire? I woild like to determine the age of the tires I have on my cars.

Tim

For a post-1971 code (that's when the code was standardized), the last three digits are the date - the first two are the week of the year, and the third is the year (up to 1999). From 2000 on, it's the last four digits, with the last two being the year.

[Tom R.]

Re: DOT Stamping

In addition to the date code format change, the number of stencil plates changed as well so if you're looking at the tires from many model years, you'll see a difference. Look up a thread earlier this year for some more discussion and photos

DOT Tire Dates

Here's a date code from a 78 tire with a single stencil plate...date code is last three digits (068) or 6th week of 78. In 97, tire manufacturers were required to change to a four digit code with two digits for year.

Figure 1 single stencil plate w date code 068.jpg

[Tim S.]

Re: DOT Stamping

Thanks for everyones input. What I have is B.F. Goodrich 7.75-15 tires.
The code reads CVN4 CZF54245.
The code is stamped very similar to the one shown in this thread. It could be these are from the 80's or 90's. If possible, I would like to narrow down when these are from.

Thanks,
Tim

[Tom R.]

Re: DOT Stamping

The code reads CVN4 CZF54245.
The code is stamped very similar to the one shown in this thread. It could be these are from the 80's or 90's. If possible, I would like to narrow down when these are from.

Take a picture and post. The single stencil format was phased out early 80's...like 81. We see multiple stencil plates used on 82 tires.