Tire Sidewall Labeling

This information identifies and describes the main 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 shown.

2. Tire Size Designation

The tire sidewall is marked with the tire size designation. You will need this information 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 its width.
R - Tire construction code (radial).
16 - Rim diameter in inches.
91 - Load index, a numeric code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry.
H - Speed rating symbol. See the speed rating table in this section for more information.

Wheel Size Designation

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

Example of wheel size designation: 6.5JX16

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 various speed ratings currently used for passenger car tires. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation on the tire sidewall. This symbol indicates the maximum safe operating speed for which the tire is designed.

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

Any tire older than six years, by date of manufacture (including the spare tire), must be replaced with a new one. You can find the date of manufacture on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel) by the DOT code. The DOT code is a series of numbers and English letters on the tire. The production date is indicated by the last four digits (characters) of the DOT code.

DOT: XXX XXX OOOO

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

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1518 means that the tire was manufactured in week 15 of 2018.

4. Tire Construction and Materials

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 amount of air pressure that can be applied to 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 a vehicle, always use tires with the same load rating as the original factory 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:

PLY 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 specific 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 course.

Relative tire performance depends on actual driving, maintenance, and climate conditions. However, actual use may vary significantly from the norm due to differences in driving style, maintenance practices, and 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 vary depending on the grade.

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 asphalt, as measured under controlled conditions on designated 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 are 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 laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the tire materials to deteriorate and reduce tire service life. Excessive temperature can also lead to sudden tire failure. 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, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible sudden tire failure. This may result in loss of vehicle control and a crash.