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 the event of a recall.

1. Manufacturer or Brand Name

The manufacturer or brand name is indicated.

2. Tire Size Designation

The tire size designation is marked on the tire sidewall. This information is needed when selecting a replacement tire for your vehicle. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the tire size designation mean.

Example of a tire size designation:

(These numbers are given as an example only; the size designation of 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 the width.
R - Tire construction code (radial).
16 - Rim diameter in inches.
91 - Load index, a numeric code related to the maximum load the tire can carry.
H - Speed rating symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information.

Wheel Size Designation

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

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 different 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 designed for the tire.

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

Any tire older than six years from the date of manufacture (including the spare tire) must be replaced with a new tire. The date of manufacture can be found on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel), shown as 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 of the DOT code.

DOT: XXX XXX OOOO

The DOT code shows the plant code number, tire size and tread pattern, and the last four digits indicate the week and year of production.

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1420 means the tire was produced in the 14th week of 2020.

4. Tire Ply Composition and Material

The number of plies or layers of rubberized fabric in the tire. Tire manufacturers must also indicate 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 ply construction; and the letter "B" means belted-bias construction.

5. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure

This number is the maximum amount of 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 a tire on the vehicle, always use a tire that has the same load rating as the original equipment tire.

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

The treadwear grade 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 will wear one and a half (1½) times as long on the government course as a tire graded 100.

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

These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger car tires. Tires are available as standard or optional equipment; the grade on your vehicle may vary depending on the tire fitted.

Traction AA, A, B, and C

Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 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 graded C may have poor traction performance.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead 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 represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the tire material to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a performance level that all passenger car tires must meet under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance 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, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible sudden tire failure. This may result in loss of control of the vehicle and a crash.