Tire registration works differently from other products - it uses the DOT number stamped on the sidewall, not a paper card. Here's what you need to know.
Tires don't come with registration cards in the traditional sense because they're installed by third parties (tire shops, dealerships, retailers). The primary registration mechanism is the DOT (Department of Transportation) number - a code stamped on the tire sidewall that identifies the manufacturer, plant, tire size, and manufacturing date.
Tire manufacturers and CPSC use DOT numbers to identify affected batches during recalls. Registering your tire's DOT number with the manufacturer links that batch code to your contact information so you can be notified if a recall is issued.
Every major tire brand offers online registration. You'll need the DOT numbers for your tires (one per axle, potentially different if front and rear tires differ) and basic contact information.
Dealers are supposed to register your tires. Many don't. Registering yourself with the DOT number takes 5 minutes and ensures you're covered.
Bawte Consumer Guide
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has historically required tire dealers to submit registration cards to manufacturers on behalf of buyers. In practice, many dealers do not complete this step - particularly independent shops and some large chains.
This means the responsibility often falls to the consumer. Registering your own tires using the DOT number takes 5 minutes and ensures you're in the manufacturer's system for recall notifications regardless of whether your installer completed the dealer registration.
Bawte registers your tire DOT numbers and monitors for NHTSA and CPSC recalls against your specific manufacturing batch.
Bawte stores your tire DOT numbers and submits registration to the manufacturer on your behalf. More importantly, Bawte monitors NHTSA and CPSC recall data against your DOT batch codes - alerting you immediately if a recall covers your specific tire manufacturing run.
Document your tires at installation by photographing the DOT numbers on the sidewalls. Bawte stores them with purchase documentation and warranty information in your vehicle's product record.
Photograph DOT numbers from your tire sidewalls. Bawte stores them and submits registration to the manufacturer.
Tire recalls are identified by DOT manufacturing codes. Bawte monitors your registered batch codes against NHTSA and CPSC recall data.
DOT numbers, purchase date, installation mileage, and warranty type - stored with your vehicle's product record.
Bawte stores your DOT numbers, registers with the manufacturer, and monitors for recalls - automatically.
Connect →UMich UMTRI-2015-26: Consumer Product Registration Behavior Study, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, 2015.
Registria/GlobeNewswire: Consumer Product Registration Survey, 2017.
NHTSA: nhtsa.gov - tire dealer registration requirements under TREAD Act.