So I have This New Theory On Why New Tires Are ALL JUNK, and What Might Help

[yelbike]

Click that link I embedded yell, for a pic + details.

Short version - DOT is stamped on the sidewall of the tire - after that there is a string of characters, the last 4 being Week, then Year of Manufacture. North American road tires have been marked this way since about 2000. (I haven't had to buy any Ags yet..... are there any industry date codes on 'em ? ).

With the prevalence of tire cracking problems, I prefer to buy tires that have been made within the last 6 months, but I definitely won't accept tires that are beyond 1 year old. :2cents:

Rgds, D.

I see DOT w22a da2

 

[ruffdog]

I see DOT w22a da2

What are the numbers following that?

 

[3930dave]

I see DOT w22a da2

Sometimes the production #s are only on 1 sidewall, not both - look on the "inside" sidewall the next time it's convenient....... if you had blahblahblah3507 , then it was built the 35'th week of 2007.

I don't know if this 4 digit numbering is just industry convention now, or whether it is mandated by DOT. Some off-brand stuff may skirt around this requirement, but I'd expect better of Firestone.

The other possibilty is the tire was produced pre-2000... can't remember if that model has been around that long.... but that would sure explain the cracking ! Either way, Firestone may be able to tell you the Production Date from that DOT code you listed.

Rgds, D.

 

[ruffdog]

Shoot, I was using the DOT date code on tires back in the 80's.

 

[3930dave]

2000 or so was when the big players agreed to the directly readable 4 digit ending.

The problem with encoded data is that you need a decoder-ring to read it..... Production Date likely was trackable before 2000, just took a lot more work to figure it out back then.

Rgds, D.

 

[ruffdog]

Here is more info on the subject from the pros.

Tire Tech Information - Determining the Age of a Tire

 

[Scooby074]

I've heard good things about 303. Unfortunately, last time I checked, hen's teeth are easier to find on the shelf in Canada.

Rgds, D.

The local Apple autoglass has it here. They also do canvas. Maybe check somebody local who does new or repairs on canvas.

Any boat stores local, these guys in halifax will ship? 302 Found

 

[3930dave]

The local Apple autoglass has it here. They also do canvas. Maybe check somebody local who does new or repairs on canvas.

Any boat stores local, these guys in halifax will ship? 302 Found

Thnx Scooby !

Rgds, D.

 

[yelbike]

What are the numbers following that?

O212 bought and installed them Dec/27/2012 as per invoice.

 

[3930dave]

O212 bought and installed them Dec/27/2012 as per invoice.

Unless you park inside an ozone factory, that is pretty ______ poor, even for today's tires.

If you haven't gotten anywhere with Firestone/dealer so far, post some pics here....... some 'net exposure on this issue seems in order....

Rgds, D.