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 shown.

2. Tire Size Designation

The tire sidewall is marked with the tire size designation. You will need this information when selecting replacement tires for your vehicle. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the tire size designation mean.

The example illustrates the size designation:

(These numbers are given as an example only; your tire size may vary depending on your vehicle.)

245/60R18 105H

245 - Tire width in millimeters.
60 - Aspect ratio. Tire section height as a percentage of its width.
R - Tire construction code (radial).
18 - Wheel diameter in inches.
105 - 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 also have marked important information that 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 a wheel size designation:

7.5J x 18

7.5 - Wheel width in inches.
J - Wheel contour designation.
18 - Wheel 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 corresponds to the maximum safe operating speed of the tire.

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

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

DOT: XXX XXX OOOO

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

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1521 means that the tire was manufactured in the 15th week of 2021.

4. Tire Ply Composition and Material

The number of plies or layers of rubber-coated fabric in the 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 construction; and the letter "B" means belted-bias ply 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 specified by the manufacturer.

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:

BOTTOM LINE 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE AT

Sport Utility

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

Relative tire performance depends on actual use and operating conditions. However, actual performance may vary significantly from the norm due to differences in driving habits, maintenance 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 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 pavement as measured under controlled conditions on government-specified 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 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 material to degenerate and reduce tire service life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. 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 load, either individually or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible sudden tire failure. This may result in loss of vehicle control, leading to an accident.