Tire Sidewall Labeling

This information identifies and describes the basic characteristics of the tire and provides the Tire Identification Number (TIN) for safety standard certification. The TIN can be used to identify the tire in case of a recall.

1. Manufacturer or Brand Name

The manufacturer or brand name is indicated.

2. Tire Size Designation

The tire size is molded on the sidewall of the tire. This information is needed when selecting replacement tires for your vehicle. The following explains the meaning of the letters and numbers in the tire size designation.

Example of a tire size designation:

(These numbers are for example only; the tire size designation on your tire may vary depending on your vehicle.)

205/55R16 91H

205 - Tire width in millimeters.
55 - Aspect ratio. Tire section height as a percentage of its width.
R - Tire construction code (radial).
16 - Wheel diameter in inches.
91 - Load index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry.
H - Speed rating symbol. Refer to the speed rating table in this section for more information.

Wheel Size Designation

Wheels are also marked with important information that you will need if you ever replace one. The following explains the meaning of the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation.

Example of a wheel size designation:

6.5J x 16

6.5 - Rim width in inches.
J - Rim contour designation.
16 - Rim diameter in inches.

Tire Speed Ratings

The table below lists many of the speed ratings currently used for passenger car tires. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation on the tire sidewall. This symbol corresponds to the maximum safe operating speed rating.

3. Tire Age Check (TIN: Tire Identification Number)

Any tire older than six years, based on its date of manufacture (including the spare tire), should be replaced with a new one. The date of manufacture can be found on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inner side of the wheel) with the DOT code. The DOT code is a series of numbers and English letters on the tire. The date of manufacture is indicated by the last four digits (characters) of the DOT code.

DOT: XXX XXX OOOO

The first part of the DOT code indicates the plant code number, tire size, and tread pattern, while the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture.

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1419 means that the tire was manufactured in the 14th week of 2019.

4. Tire Ply Composition and Material

The number of plies or layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufacturers must also specify the materials in the tire, including steel, nylon, polyester, and others. The letter "R" means radial ply construction; the letter "D" means diagonal or bias construction; and the letter "B" means belted bias construction.

5. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure

This number is the maximum air pressure that may be put into the tire. Do not exceed the maximum permissible inflation pressure. Refer to the tire and loading information label for the recommended inflation pressure.

6. Maximum Load Rating

This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that the tire can carry. When replacing tires on the vehicle, always use a tire with the same load capacity as the tire installed at the factory.

7. Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width.

For example:

TREADWEAR 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A

Tire Tread Wear

Treadwear is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1½) times as well as a tire graded 100 on the government test course.

Relative tire performance depends on actual conditions of use, however, and may vary significantly from the norm due to differences in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.

These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger car tires. Tires available as standard or optional equipment on your vehicle may differ depending on the rating.

Traction - AA, A, B and C

Traction grades, from highest to lowest: AA, A, B and C. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-line braking traction tests and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature - A, B and C

Temperature grades: A (the highest), B and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor test wheel.

Prolonged high temperature can cause the tire material to break down and shorten tire service life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to the performance level that all passenger car tires must meet under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher performance levels on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, overinflation, or excessive loading, alone or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible sudden tire failure. This may result in loss of vehicle control and an accident.