How do I read the DOT date code on a tire?
What is the DOT date code?
The DOT date code is one of the numbers stamped on your tire's sidewall. TireScout looks at this code as one of the things it decodes, along with UTQG treadwear and warranty miles.
Where do I find it?
Your tire size and other markings, including the DOT code, are on the sidewall of the tire. TireScout shows you where to look for your tire size, and the same sidewall is where the DOT date lives too.
Why the date matters
TireScout uses details like the DOT date, UTQG treadwear, and warranty miles to work out a tire's price per mile — the number that can make a $160 tire cheaper than a $95 tire.
- UTQG treadwear
- Warranty miles
- DOT date
- Price per mile
What we don't know here
This page does not explain how to read the individual digits of the DOT code. We don't want to guess at something that isn't in front of us. If you need the exact meaning of your code, ask your tire shop or a certified technician to confirm it for you.
This is general information, not mechanical or safety advice. Always confirm tire condition and age with a professional before you buy or drive on a tire.
What to do next
Type your tire size into TireScout, or paste the shop's quote or the tire's specs. The free tool reads your own numbers and decodes the DOT date, UTQG treadwear, warranty miles, and price per mile, so you can compare listings side by side. Available in English and Spanish.