Tires: HP259 Tire DOT Number, rubber manufacturers association, 4 digits

Question
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.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The DOT code is printed as "DOT CCA6" and the tire size is P225/60R16. Another number is "W318OU-1 M+S M220". Will you decipher for me? I can not find any info on treadwear, traction or temperature ratings. I understand that this info is a federal requirement. Am I correct?

Answer
Rob,

I think you need to look at the other side of the tire.  

As I pointed out, the DOT code only has to appear in full on one side - and the same is true of the UTQG rating.  BTW UTQG ratings are not required for any "deep treaded" tires, which means winter, all terrain, and the like.

And the other number is something that only the manufacturer can decode, but it looks like a mold number to me.