Tires: Dot number removed, tire identification number, small claims court

Question
Hello
I recently bought 4 new tire from a dealer in town. From the start they didn't feel right. Bouncing and viberation at every speed. I took them to another dealer who inspected them. He said the first one was defective because of a bulge in the side wall. when he looked at the second one he said these tire arn't right. they look strange. He then noted the DOT number on all of the tires have been removed. He said this was no legal. The tires were a safty hazaed so I had them replaced again. The dealer I bought them from refused to give me my money back.  What can I do.  

Answer
Vern,

You should threaten to sue the dealer.

But just to clarify a point - It is illegal to sell a new tire in the US without the letters "DOT".  It is also illegal to sell a new tire in the US without the TIN (tire Identification Number - 10 to 12 digits long)

It is common for folks to remove the DOT and / or the TIN when the tires are to be scrapped.

So if the dealer still refuses, replace the tires at your cost and sue the dealer in small claims court.  I have no doubt he will pay up, rather than risk going to jail.