What does DOT code 1620 mean?

DOT code 1620 indicates the tire was manufactured during week 16 of 2020 (April). This tire is approximately 6.3 years old.

Is a 6.3-year-old tire safe to drive on?

A 6.3-year-old tire has a safety index score of 37%. The tire is in a critical high-risk replacement window and should be changed.

Will DOT 1620 pass vehicle safety inspection?

A tire stamped DOT 1620 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 6.3 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: #1620

BATCH TELEMETRY:
DOT SERIAL 1620

This technical telemetry report examines tire production batch 1620, manufactured during the 16th week of 2020 (April). Operating at a calculated age of 6.3 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

47%HIGH RISK

CALCULATED AGE6.3 Years

MANUFACTUREDWK 16, 2020

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

Manufacture Date

W16 / 2020

April Batch Output

Compound Age

6.3 Years

Natural Vulcanization Progress

Safety Index

37%

High Risk Category

PIT CREW CHIEF VERDICT

"At 6.3 years old, batch 1620 (April 2020) 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 1620

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INSPECTING USED VEHICLES

If inspecting a pre-owned vehicle fitted with DOT 1620 tires, note that you are looking at rubber manufactured 6.3 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 1620 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 #1620 US DOT Telemetry Record