Tyres without DOT codes?

[ashleyman]

Not a very PH car but a relative has come to me saying they've been told they need some tyre patches and could I help them.
I'm trying to find out how old the tyres are as the cost of the tyre is similar to the cost of a patch so why not get new tyres?

So I'm looking at these tyres and I just can't find the DOT code.

This one is 01 14 - fine, week 1 2014




This one (and the rest)... No code! Unless it's 04 09 - as per the small writing on the left? Nothing else on the tyre matches DOT format.




Then looking at another tyre - same code as above and no other writing that text I mentioned above now doesn't correspond with a month/year.




Tyre size is 155/65/R13 73T. If I put in the REG I have the choice of ditch finders, if I put in the tyre size I can opt for Goodyear. She definitely needs 1 new tyre but the other 3 all measure up fine except for 2 needing patches due to nails.

Anyway, am I missing something or do these tyres not have DOT codes?

Edited by ashleyman on Thursday 30th May 20:51

[nickfrog]

They might be on the other sidewall?

[Black_S3]

Surely in that size something like 4 uni royal rainsports for less than £150 makes sense reguardless of age of tyres if they’re ditch finders and she’s been bashing the sidewalls into kerbs long enough to have worn one tyre out.

Edited by Black_S3 on Thursday 30th May 20:56

[Toyoda]

nickfrog said:

They might be on the other sidewall?

Is the correct answer. OP get underneath with a torch.

[ashleyman]

Black_S3 said:

Surely in that size something like 4 uni royal rainsports for less than £150 makes sense reguardless of age of tyres if they’re ditch finders and she’s been bashing the sidewalls into kerbs long enough to have worn one tyre out.

Edited by Black_S3 on Thursday 30th May 20:56

This is what I thought too but you can't get UniRoyals at this size. The best I could find is Goodyear Efficient Grip, Dunlop StreetResponse 2 or Bridgestone B250, the rest are all 'value tyres'! Nothing mid range like the UniRoyals which is a shame.

3 of them are pretty much brand new and all identical tyres - Goodride, there's 1 that needs replacing which is old as the tread is coming up to the wear bars. The 2 that need patches are the brand new ones.

Guess I need to get back under the car with a torch then!!

[Black_S3]

Just searched - it’s rain expert 3s in that size @ £30 each + fitting... not much of a decision for me.

ETA link https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uniroyal-rainexpert-3...

Edited by Black_S3 on Thursday 30th May 21:09

[ashleyman]

Black_S3 said:

Just searched - it’s rain expert 3s in that size @ £30 each + fitting... not much of a decision for me.

ETA link https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uniroyal-rainexpert-3...

Edited by Black_S3 on Thursday 30th May 21:09

Thanks. I'll have to try and find a garage who has them available for fitting locally. A patch is £25 each so it makes total sense to just get new tyres.

[Pica-Pica]

On the rare occasions that a puncture or bulge occurs, it only makes sense to buy new tyres.

[Smokehead]

bluezedd said:

I'd echo checking the inner sidewall. I've seen tyres with the code on only 1 sidewall.

Yup

[S1KRR]

It's a directional tyre.

Hence it will be on one side or the other.


See also tyres with Inside/ Outside it will be on the outside