DOT code help!

[max and caddy]

Hi, can anybody help me decode my tyres dot code....I have read all the info on google but still can't decide how old the tyres are!

The code reads DOT BE K6 XX1275


That's all there is,


Thanks.

[kevtherev]

BE is UNIROYAL GOODRICH TIRE MANUFACTURING
K6 XX is either the mould or tyre code or both
1275 is week 12 year 1975

either the Americans are having a laugh or they are a bit out of date...

[max and caddy]

It's not 1975.... This I am sure about as only 2 of the tyres have that code on, the other 2 are 1076 and 1132!

1932? Nah...the vehicle the tyres are from was an 1988 mountain rescue van....so wheels may of say around for a long time so it's either 1985 or 1995....but according to google before 2000 a 3 digit code was used....but then after that seems to be dated as 05 or 04 etc....I'm jus t don't know if its 80s or 90s and could use a definately answer.

The tyres don't look VERY old but could of been extreme weather only use as they have studs fitted as well!

[kevtherev]

Tyres should be changed anyway after six years, regardless of dot date, or tread wear.

[max and caddy]

Well yes...but I bet most of the vans on here have older tyres fitted...these are destined for off road use so will see how they bear up..

[kevtherev]

Well yes...but I bet most of the vans on here have older tyres fitted...these are destined for off road use so will see how they bear up..

I wouldn't like to say, but I doubt it's most... tyres don't last long these days (major branded ones)
As tyres are made with organic compounds with age they degrade, the resins used in the compound dries and the sidewalls crack, treads separate from the steel band... making the percentage chance of failure increase.

I guess off road tyres, don't get high speed and cornering stresses, so are less likely to pop

[max and caddy]

Well I guess I will find out the hard way! Tyres are perfect to look at, no cracking etc...must of been stored in the dark in perfect conditions, they are an obsolete size as well so if one fails they will all be bin fodder.

Very traditional looking tyre and look just right on the pick up however! Show use only?

[AdrianC]

Is the "1275" in a small oval on the sidewall?

Could it be "275", either with a triangle before the 2 or not?

The DOT codes only came in the '80s, so it won't be 1975 anyway. If it's 275, no triangle, then it's week 27, 1985. If it's 275 with a triangle, then it's 1995. The four digit says "2000s".

And, yes, old tyres need changing. The FBHVC ran a big campaign the other year after somebody was killed in an MGB when a "nearly new" tyre came apart on the m'way. The tyre turned out to be 20-odd years old.