QuestionTHE LAST 4 DIGITS OF DOT CODE ARE 5306. DOES THAT MEAN THE MANUFACTURING DATE WAS THE 53RD WEEK OF 2006? THIS TIRE HAS TWO SIDEWALL BULGES. LESS THAN 500 MILES. I AM THE SECOND OWNER. ANY RECOURSE? ANY SUGGESTIONS?
AnswerJoel,
Yes, 5306 would mean the 53rd week of the year 2006. I know, there are only 52 weeks in a year - but it actuality, there are 52 weeks and 1 day in year - and in order to remain compensate for this extra day, some years are considered to have 53 weeks in them.
Being the second owner presents a problem. The warranty applies only to the original owner of the tires. But usually that restriction on a tire warranty is waived for a manufacturing condition - which may or may not be the case here.
Some bulges are indeed the result of a manufacturing condition, but bulges can be caused by impacting an object. But you should be aware that small bulges (and indentations) are normal, so this becomes a matter of degree.
I would suggest you go to a tire shop that handles the tire brand and
1) Get their assessment on whether or not the bulges the type normally seen in tires.
2) If they are not normal, then the tire shop should be able to determine if the problem is service related (impacting an object) or manufacturing related. If manufacturing related, the tire shop should offer to replace the tire, though sometimes that involves a bit of cost.
If the problem is service related, then you will have to buy a new tire, but you may be able to negotiate a lower cost with the tire shop - recognizing that the tire shop would be doing this as a goodwill gesture - to get to to come back to them later when you need tires.
