AboutBarry Smith Expertise I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and
testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800"
number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually
without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but
please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of
my work experience.
Experience Member SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers)
Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization)
SCCA Regional Competiton License holder
Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.
Question I purchased a set of HP259 tires that the dealer identified as Cooper tires, but I know now that they are not Cooper tires. Please explain the number DOT CCA6. I looked up the number, but I don't understand the code. I think CC is Yokohama in Salem, Virginia, but is A6 Cochin, India? Where was this tire made? Have I been deceived in a costly way?
Thanks,
Rob
Answer Rob,
First locate the letters "DOT" on the sidewall of the tire. Nearby will be the DOT code. DOT codes are 10 to 12 digits long. BTW the digits can be numbers or letters.
The first 2 digits are a code for the manufacturing plant.
The next 2 digits are a code for the tire size.
The next 3 or 4 digits are a code for the type of tire.
The last 3 or 4 digits are the date code. The format is week/week/year/year or week/week/year. These are always numbers.
Starting in the year 2000, the date coding used was 4 digits. That means the largest number you should see for the year is 09. Before 1999 the format was 3 digits. 1999 and 2000 are transition years, so you will find both 3 and 4 digits.
The date code only has to be on one side – and it is permissible for there to be a partial DOT code, so long as one side has the complete code.
I am not sure you have correctly found the DOT code - or even a portion of the DOT code. But assuming that you have:
CC = Yokohama in Salem VA
A6 = 215/65R17 assuming that Yokohama is following the Rubber Manufacturers Association coding - which they do not have to.
