Scan Tire DOT Numbers with Your Smartphone: Fast & Accurate Tire Identification

If you’ve ever had to manually record or verify the DOT number on a tire, you know how tedious and error-prone it can be. Whether you’re a tire retailer, fleet operator, or auto technician, tracking tire data is essential for recall safety, compliance, and asset identification. Thankfully, mobile technology has caught up and now you can scan tire DOT numbers with your smartphone using powerful tools like Scanflow. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about scanning tire DOT numbers with your phone, and how solutions like Scanflow make this process lightning-fast, highly accurate, and perfect for enterprise applications. 

Understanding DOT Numbers and Tire Identification

The DOT number, also called the TIN (Tire Identification Number), is a string of alphanumeric characters stamped into the sidewall of a tire. It reveals critical information such as: 

• Manufacturer and plant code 
• Tire size and batch 
• Date of production (week and year) 

This code is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is vital for identifying tires in case of recalls, for warranty purposes, or for asset registration in business systems.

Why Scan DOT Numbers with a Smartphone? 

Traditionally, capturing DOT numbers involved manual typing or paper logs prone to mistakes and time delays. Using a smartphone for tire scanning offers: 

• Speed: Instant data capture and extraction. 
• Accuracy: Eliminates manual entry errors. 
• Convenience: No special scanners or hardware required. 
• Scalability: Perfect for tire retailers, fleets, or logistics providers managing thousands of tires. 

With this method, you’re not just scanning  you’re digitally identifying assets and creating traceable records with just a phone in hand.

Introducing Scanflow for Asset Identification and Tire Scanning 

Scanflow AI asset identification SDK empowers smartphones and tablets to perform high-accuracy tire scanning using built-in cameras. Designed for speed and reliability, it recognizes DOT numbers and additional sidewall data even under tough conditions worn treads, uneven lighting, and more. 

Key features of Scanflow tire scanning: 

• Detects DOT/TIN, serial number, tire size, model. 
• Uses AI-based OCR to capture low-contrast or damaged codes. 
• Fully functional offline, great for warehouses or field conditions. 
• Integrates with apps, ERPs, or inventory systems. 

By combining asset identification with tire scanning, Scanflow turns smartphones into powerful data collection tools.

Step-by-Step Guide: Scanning DOT Numbers with Your Smartphone 

Step 1: Open Your Scanflow-Enabled App

Ensure your mobile app integrates the Scanflow SDK. Launch it to begin scanning. 

Step 2: Align the Camera with the Tire Sidewall

Position your phone so the entire DOT number area is visible within the screen. Use built-in framing guides for precision. 

Step 3: Capture the DOT Code

The Scanflow engine will automatically detect and extract the DOT/TIN from the sidewall using real-time image processing. 

Step 4: Review Captured Data

Details like manufacturing week/year and tire plant code will be shown. Confirm accuracy before proceeding. 

Step 5: Export or Sync Data

Store it locally, sync with your cloud platform, or push directly into your ERP, WMS, or CRM system.

Best Practices for Reliable Tire Scanning

To get the best results with smartphone-based tire scanning: 

• Clean the tire surface before scanning. 
• Use adequate lighting, or enable the camera flash. 
• Hold your phone steady and perpendicular to the sidewall. 
• Scan both sides of the tire sometimes the DOT appears on only one side. 
• Train your system using Scanflow’s custom recognition models for better results in specific environments. 

Real-World Use Cases and Business Benefits 

Tire Retailers & Repair Centers

Quickly register every tire sold or installed. Meet compliance requirements for warranties and recalls. 

Fleet Management & Logistics

Digitize asset identification for tires across multiple vehicles and locations, streamlining inspections and replacements. 

Manufacturing & Quality Control

Automate the capture of DOT numbers during production and inspection, reducing manual labor and errors. 

Insurance & Claims Assessment

Accurately document tire data for claims, damage inspections, or accident reports.

With Scanflow, these businesses achieve faster processing, higher accuracy, and better traceability all while reducing operational costs.

Conclusion

Smartphone based tire scanning isn’t just the future it’s here now. With Scanflow, you can instantly and accurately capture DOT numbers, turning every tire into a digitally traceable asset. From fleet tracking to retail compliance, Scanflow asset identification transforms how tire data is captured, managed, and leveraged for business success.

Talk to the Scanflow team today.