In another post about aging tires, there was a response that told how to read the DOT number and figure out the manufacture date of the tire. Of course, I was unable to figure it out with certainty. So, here is what appears on the tire (purchased Feb '98).

DOT BEVENX 71377

The last 3 digits (377) appear to be removable inserts in the mold. Does that suggest that the tires were made in the week 37 of 1997?

Prior to the year 2000, it was a 3 digit date code. The first 2 digits = the week number and the last digit the year, So yes, 377 = the 37th week of 1997. Starting in 2000, it was a 4 digit date code. so 3700 would be the 37th week of 2000.

Jim