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Tillerman56



Member Since: 22 May 2013
Location: In a Dutch polder, below sea level....
Posts: 41

Netherlands 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Epsom Green
DOT code BFG A/T: mystery!
It's time to go out and shop for new rubber. The BFG A/T's are nearing their end after 120.000 km. Never had a puncture, and I am very satisfied with the A/T's performance. So I want them again.

I had the tyres fitted in July 2010. The spare tyre however, was never used, it just sat on the rear door for four years, in all wheather types.
I would like to use the spare, buy 3 new ones and have one of the old ones as a spare. So, I started looking for the DOT code, to see how old they are. For the DOT code I found DOT BFOR UH21. But that doesn't make sense, according to the BFG and other tyre related websites; there should be four digits in the last four positions but I found two letters and two digits. I checked all four wheels and they all have the same code.
Anyone here who recognizes this DOT code, or know how to explain it? The net didn'nt help me in this matter.



And, for the second question, would you use a four year old tyre for another 3 or 4 years? Tyre looks good, no cracks, and BFG advises to change light truck tyres to be changed after 10 years. On the other hand, the holiday plans are directing us towards Albania, a country with very rough roads. Not a place where you want to have a flat.

Basically, I find it hard to throw away an unused perfectly good looking tyre, I think.

Tillerman.
Post #331082 14th May 2014 8:35pm
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munch90



Member Since: 26 Oct 2013
Location: guildford
Posts: 3558

England 
on most tyres , date is usually in a oblong bit that normally has week and year and the number are moulded into rubber not letters sticking out ( if that makes sense )
Post #331086 14th May 2014 8:45pm
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TJ101



Member Since: 30 May 2007
Location: Taunton Somerset
Posts: 3748

Isle Of Man 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
As munch90 says above,,

You are looking for 4 numbers, very much like the "2" in your picture ie 1012 California F1, 75th 110 "Kermit", 50th Ann V8, 90 V8 Hybrid, 55 Series 1

Main Brian James Trailer Dealer for South West UK
Post #331096 14th May 2014 9:09pm
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TJ101



Member Since: 30 May 2007
Location: Taunton Somerset
Posts: 3748

Isle Of Man 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
PS

This thread may help,, page 3 http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic19402-15.html California F1, 75th 110 "Kermit", 50th Ann V8, 90 V8 Hybrid, 55 Series 1

Main Brian James Trailer Dealer for South West UK
Post #331098 14th May 2014 9:12pm
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Interlet



Member Since: 10 Oct 2011
Location: Norwich
Posts: 461

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Alpine White
If it was a cheap tyre, I wouldn't bother using it for 7 or 8 years, but BFG are very good, and very good build quality, and if BFG recommend 10 years - then the length of time you are suggesting using the tyre for is within their own parameters... maybe get a tyre place to check it out in some way for condition or something, and then sling it on the back, and keep it under a cover.

I think being kept under a cover helps a lot with perishing - being exposed all the time must take it's toll.

I base non of this on experience, just opinion and speculation - so if someone says there is some evidence not to keep using such a tyre, fair enough. 1998 110 300Tdi White Hard Top
Post #331099 14th May 2014 9:15pm
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Tillerman56



Member Since: 22 May 2013
Location: In a Dutch polder, below sea level....
Posts: 41

Netherlands 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Epsom Green
OK, thanks, What makes me doubt is the fact that the spare sat on the rear door without any protection. But I will be off to a tyre fitter shortly, so I will ask them too.

I learned from the link in TJ101's link to another tyre discussion on this board that there is a fair chance that the complete time stamp can be on the side with the white lettering, which is the inside on my 90. So, I will lie down and crawl under the car, but that's for tomorrow.

Good night, and thanks so far Thumbs Up

Tillerman.
Post #331104 14th May 2014 9:25pm
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ken



Member Since: 18 Aug 2009
Location: Banging Birds with my bitches !!
Posts: 4328

United Kingdom 
Look on the other side of the tyre date dot is only on one side Thumbs Up
Post #331106 14th May 2014 9:28pm
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Tillerman56



Member Since: 22 May 2013
Location: In a Dutch polder, below sea level....
Posts: 41

Netherlands 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Epsom Green
The time stamp was on the white-lettered side..... All tyres are from week 40, 2009.

Tillerman.
Post #332226 20th May 2014 8:41am
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ken



Member Since: 18 Aug 2009
Location: Banging Birds with my bitches !!
Posts: 4328

United Kingdom 
Whistle Thumbs Up
Post #332531 21st May 2014 1:29pm
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