tailgunner
08-13-2001, 11:33 AM
I would like to be able to decipher the dot coding on my goodyear marathon radial tires.My understanding is that you are able to read the date the tires were manufactured. A wholesale tire dealer told me that these tires are not made every year, just every two or three years, so it's possible to buy a tire that is three years old when you buy it new! Sounds like bs to me, does anyone know ?
BobB(MI)
08-13-2001, 12:06 PM
LAST EDITED ON Aug-13-01 AT 02:13PM (CST)[p]Absolutely - most reputable tire dealers should be able to explain all the information on the side of the tires as well.
As far as the DOT code goes for time of manufacture:
A typical code could be: DOT MAL9ABC081
For the time of manufacture, you need to look at the last 3 digits. In the example above, this tire was manufactured on the 8th week in 2001. The last digit is the year and the previous 2 are the week in that year.
Even though you can get some "good" deals at some discount tire outlets and supermarkets, it pays to look at the date of manufatcure. It isn't uncommon to go into one of these places and see tires for sale that are many years old. Yes, there are synthetic compunds used, but the actual rubber compounds do break down over time. New rubber always lasts better than old rubber - same tire-for-tire.
As I stated, a reputable tire dealer can explain this as well as load rating, speed rating, traction, temperature, and size codes in order to put the right tire on your vehicle according to your specific application.
As far as the tires made every other year....only if the models are discontinued and brought back. Typically, the current models are made every year and the old ones on the shelf are just that...old. A new tire yes, but made years before and probably sold to a discounter to make room for new stock. Sounds like your instincts are pretty good - stick with them.
In case you're wondering, I am not a tire dealer, nor do I work for one. I work in an industry where tire costs are critical as we spend upwards of $12,000 per tire - use, misuse and correct application are near and dear to me.
Sorry for being long winded.
Bob