Tire Sidewall Information

This information indicates the main characteristics of the tire and its identification numbers for safety certification. The identification number identifies the tire in case of a recall.

1. Manufacturer or Brand Name

The manufacturer's name or trademark is shown here on the tire.

2. Tire Size

The tire size is indicated on its sidewall. This information is needed when replacing the tires on your vehicle. The letters and numbers corresponding to the tire size are explained below.

Example of tire size: (This information is provided as an example and may differ from the specifications of your vehicle.

225/60R17 99H

225 - Tire width in millimeters.
60 - Aspect ratio. Percentage ratio between the height and the width of the tire sidewall.
R - Tire construction code (radial).
17 - Rim diameter in inches.
99 - Load index (numerical code corresponding to the maximum load the tire can carry).
H - Speed rating. See the speed rating table for more information.

Wheel Size

The wheel also has important information you need when replacing it. The letters and numbers corresponding to the wheel size are described below.

Example of wheel size: 7.0JX17

7.0 - Rim width in inches.
J - Rim profile designation.
17 - Rim diameter in inches.

Tire Speed Ratings

The table below shows most of the speed ratings currently used for passenger car tires. The speed rating of the tire is indicated on its sidewall. It indicates the maximum speed the tire can sustain while meeting safety requirements.

3. Tire Service Life Check (Tire Identification Number)

All tires older than 6 years from the date of manufacture naturally lose their resistance and performance, including spare tires that are not used and therefore must be replaced. The DOT code, which appears on the sidewall of the tire, indicates the date of manufacture. It consists of a series of numbers and letters. The date of manufacture is indicated by the last 4 code digits.

DOT: XXX XXX OOOO

The beginning of the DOT code corresponds to the plant code, size and tread pattern of the tire. The last 4 digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. Example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1615 indicates that the tire was manufactured in the 16th week of 2015.

WARNING

Tire Aging

Tires age over time, even if they are not used. Regardless of tread condition, it is generally recommended to replace tires after 6 years of normal use. Hot climates and frequent heavy loads accelerate the tire aging process. Failure to observe this warning may result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control, which may lead to an accident and serious or even fatal injury.

4. Tire Construction and Materials.

The number of rubberized fabric plies is indicated on the tire. The manufacturer must also specify the tire materials (steel, nylon, polyester, etc.). The letter R indicates radial-ply tires, the letter D indicates diagonal-ply tires, and the letter B indicates belted-bias tires.

5. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure

This is the maximum pressure to which the tire can be inflated. Do not exceed the maximum permissible inflation pressure. See the tire and loading information label for the recommended pressure.

6. Maximum Load Rating

This value indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that the tire can carry. When replacing tires, always select tires with the same load rating as the original tires.

7. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)

Quality grades are located on the tire sidewall, between the shoulder and the maximum section width.

Example:

BOTTOM LINE 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE AT

Treadwear Index

The treadwear index is a comparative rating based on the wear of a tire measured on a government-controlled test track. For example, on this track a tire rated 150 should wear 1.5 times slower than a tire rated 100.

Relative tire ratings may vary depending on actual operating conditions and may deviate significantly from the standard, especially due to driving style, maintenance, road type, and climate.

This index is molded into the sidewall of passenger car tires. Tires are available as standard equipment or as optional equipment for your vehicle, and may vary depending on the index.

Traction - AA, A, B and C

Traction grades, in descending order of performance, are AA, A, B and C. They indicate the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, evaluated under controlled conditions on test surfaces specified by the U.S. government (asphalt and concrete). A tire graded C may offer poor traction.

WARNING

The traction rating assigned to a tire is based on straight-line braking and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or exceptional traction characteristics.

Temperature - A, B and C

Temperature grades, in descending order of performance, are A, B and C. They indicate the tire's resistance to overheating and its ability to dissipate heat under controlled laboratory conditions.

Sustained high temperature can cause tire material degradation and reduce tire service life. Excessive temperature may cause sudden tire failure. Grades B and A indicate that the tire demonstrated laboratory performance levels above the minimum required by law.

WARNING

Tire Temperature

The temperature grade is established for a tire inflated to the specified pressure and does not account for any overloading. Excessive speed, insufficient inflation pressure, and excessive load are conditions that, individually or in combination, may cause overheating and sudden tire failure. You risk losing control of the vehicle and suffering serious or even fatal injury.