Tire speed ratings

The table below lists the various speed ratings currently used for passenger vehicles. The speed rating code is part of the size designation printed on the tire sidewall. This symbol corresponds to the maximum speed at which the tire may be operated.

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

All tires older than six years, based on the manufacturing date, will naturally lose strength and other characteristics with age (even tires on unused spare wheels). For this reason, tires (including the spare tire) should be replaced with new ones.

The tire manufacturing date is shown on the tire sidewall (in some cases, on the inner side) as part of the DOT code. The DOT code is printed on the tire surface and consists of numbers and English letters. The manufacturing date is contained in the last four characters of the DOT code.

DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO

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

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1612 indicates that the tire was manufactured in the 16th week of 2012.

WARNING

Tires age over time, even if they are not used. Regardless of the degree of wear, it is recommended to replace tires after six (6) years of service under normal conditions. A hot climate or frequent heavy loads may accelerate tire aging.

Failure to heed this warning may lead to rapid tire wear, which may result in loss of vehicle control and an accident causing serious injury or death.

4. Tire Cord Material and Construction

The tire contains many layers of rubberized fabric. Manufacturers must indicate the materials used in tire construction. This list typically includes steel, nylon, polyester and others.

The letter "R" means the cord plies are arranged radially; the letter "D" means diagonal (bias) ply arrangement; the letter "B" corresponds to a belted-bias ply arrangement.

5. Maximum Permissible Tire Air Pressure

This value corresponds to the maximum pressure the tire can withstand. Do not exceed the maximum permissible tire pressure.

The recommended tire pressure values are listed on the label "Tire and Loading Information".

6. Maximum Load Capacity

This value, indicated in kilograms and pounds, is the maximum load the tire can carry. When replacing tires, always use tires with the same load capacity as the tires fitted to the vehicle by the manufacturer.

7. Uniform Tire Quality Grading

The quality grade can be found, if necessary, on the tire sidewall between the tread width and the sidewall.

For example:

TREADWEAR 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A

Tread Wear

The treadwear grade is a relative rating based on the wear rate of the tire under controlled conditions in a laboratory test course.

For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half times as long in the laboratory test as a tire graded 100.

The relative performance depends upon actual use conditions. However, performance may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, differences in road characteristics and climate.

The treadwear grade is molded on the sidewall of passenger car tires.

Tires supplied as standard or optional equipment on your vehicle may vary in treadwear grade.

Traction - AA, A, B & C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C.

The grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet asphalt and concrete pavement in laboratory tests. A tire marked 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.