DOT

DOT in motorsport stands for Department of Transportation and refers to safety standards that tires and brake fluids must meet to be legal for street use in the United States.

When you see "DOT" stamped on a tire sidewall, it means that tire has passed rigorous safety tests set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This marking allows the tire to be used on public roads, not just race tracks. Many racing series require DOT-approved tires to ensure drivers can legally drive their cars to and from events.

The DOT marking comes with a special code that tells you important information about the tire. This code shows where the tire was made, who manufactured it, and most importantly, when it was produced. The last four numbers in the DOT code represent the week and year of manufacture - for example, "2324" means the tire was made in the 23rd week of 2024.

DOT-approved racing tires offer a middle ground between regular street tires and pure racing slicks. Popular examples include the Toyo Proxes RR for road racing and track days, or Hoosier DOT drag radials for drag racing. These tires provide excellent grip and performance while still meeting safety requirements for street use.

DOT standards also apply to brake fluid, which is crucial for racing safety. DOT brake fluid ratings like DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 indicate how hot the fluid can get before it starts to boil. Higher-rated fluids can handle more heat, which is essential when brakes get extremely hot during racing.

It's important to understand that not all high-performance tires are DOT-approved. Pure racing slicks and some specialized track tires are designed only for closed-course competition and cannot legally be driven on public streets. Always check for DOT approval if you plan to drive your vehicle on regular roads.