What does DOT code 1615 mean?

DOT code 1615 indicates the tire was manufactured during week 16 of 2015 (April). This tire is approximately 11.3 years old.

Is a 11.3-year-old tire safe to drive on?

A 11.3-year-old tire has a safety index score of 0%. The tire is in a critical high-risk replacement window and should be changed.

Will DOT 1615 pass vehicle safety inspection?

A tire stamped DOT 1615 will pass annual vehicle inspections provided tread depth exceeds 1.6mm (2/32") and no visible sidewall bulges or deep cracks are present. However, compound hardening at 11.3 years affects wet stopping distance.

Where is the 4-digit DOT date code located?

The 4-digit DOT date code is stamped on the outer sidewall of the tire, immediately following the letters "DOT" and manufacturer plant codes.

🇺🇸 US DOT BATCH REPORTHIGH RISK / EXPIREDSERIAL REF: #1615

BATCH TELEMETRY:
DOT SERIAL 1615

This technical telemetry report examines tire production batch 1615, manufactured during the 16th week of 2015 (April). Operating at a calculated age of 11.3 years, the structural integrity and polymer elasticity of this serial series have been evaluated against NHTSA and NASCAR safety benchmarks.

PIT TIRE SAFETY INDEXEXPIRED / REPLACE

5%HIGH RISK

CALCULATED AGE11.3 Years

MANUFACTUREDWK 16, 2015

Pit Assessment: Structural rubber life limit exceeded! Hardened rubber compound elevates blowout risk at high speeds.

Manufacture Date

W16 / 2015

April Batch Output

Compound Age

11.3 Years

Natural Vulcanization Progress

Safety Index

High Risk Category

PIT CREW CHIEF VERDICT

"At 11.3 years old, batch 1615 (April 2015) exceeds the maximum 6-year safety ceiling recommended by Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, and the U.S. NHTSA. The rubber compound has hardened significantly, elevating blowout risk at high speeds."

Estimated Wet Braking Impact+25% to +40% Wet Braking Distance

Pit Crew RecommendationImmediate replacement strongly recommended prior to high-speed travel.

REGULATORY GRADING FRAMEWORK

STANDARDIZED LABELLING METRICS

Cross-reference batch age with standardized grading for rolling resistance, wet grip index, and pass-by exterior noise.

REGULATION (EU) 2020/740 COMPLIANT

European Union Tire Label Metrics

⛽ Fuel EfficiencyISO 28580

DActive

9.1 - 10.5 kg/t (Higher fuel consumption)

Grade ScoreClass D

🌧️ Wet Grip SafetyISO 23671

CActive

1.25 - 1.39 (Standard wet safety)

Grade ScoreClass C

🔊 Exterior NoiseUNECE R117

74dB

Moderate (Complies with EU limits)

Noise ClassClass 3

FIELD GUIDANCE & TRACK SCENARIOS

REAL-WORLD IMPLICATIONS FOR DOT 1615

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INSPECTING USED VEHICLES

If inspecting a pre-owned vehicle fitted with DOT 1615 tires, note that you are looking at rubber manufactured 11.3 years ago. Because the rubber compound has hardened, request a tire replacement credit or discount from the seller.

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TRUNK SPARE TIRE ASSESSMENT

Found DOT 1615 on your emergency spare? Unused rubber still oxidizes due to ambient temperature swings and ozone in the trunk. Treat this spare strictly as a temporary emergency limping wheel under 45 mph.

← DECODE ANOTHER DOT CODEBatch #1615 US DOT Telemetry Record