Tire Sidewall Labeling

Useful information about the tire is molded into its sidewall. The examples show a typical passenger car tire and a compact spare tire sidewall.

Passenger Tire Example (P-Metric)

1. 1
   Tire Size: The tire size is a combination of letters and numbers used to define a specific tire width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and service description. See the Tire Size illustration later in this section.
2. 2
   TPC (Tire Performance Criteria) Specification: Original equipment tires designed to GM Tire Performance Criteria have a TPC specification code molded into the sidewall. GM TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal safety recommendations.
3. 3
   DOT (Department of Transportation): The Department of Transportation (DOT) symbol indicates that the tire meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

   DOT Tire Manufacture Date: The last four digits of the DOT number indicate the date the tire was manufactured. The first two digits indicate the week (01–52) and the last two digits indicate the year. For example, the third week of 2010 would have a four-digit DOT date of 0310.

4. 4
   Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters and numbers after DOT (Department of Transportation) are the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and the date the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded on both sides of the tire, although only one side may have the manufacture date.
5. 5
   Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and the number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
6. 6
   Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three performance characteristics: treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance. For more information, see Uniform Tire Quality Grading.
7. 7
   Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: The maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure required to support this load.

   

Compact Spare Tire Example

1. 1
   Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and the number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
2. 2
   Temporary Use Only: The compact spare tire or temporary use tire must not be driven at speeds greater than 80 km/h. The compact spare tire is designed for emergency use when a regular road tire has lost air and gone flat. If the vehicle has a compact spare tire, see Compact Spare Tire and Flat Tire.
3. 3
   Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters and numbers after DOT (Department of Transportation) are the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and the date the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded on both sides of the tire, although only one side may have the manufacture date.
4. 4
   Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: The maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure required to support this load.
5. 5
   Tire Inflation: The temporary use tire or compact spare tire must be inflated to 420 kPa (60 psi). For more information on tire pressure and inflation, see Tire Pressure.
6. 6
   Tire Size: The combination of letters and numbers defines the tire width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and service description. The letter T as the first character in the tire size means the tire is for temporary use only.
7. 7
   TPC (Tire Performance Criteria) Specification: Original equipment tires designed to GM Tire Performance Criteria have a TPC specification code molded into the sidewall. GM TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal safety recommendations.