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 size designation is marked on the tire sidewall. You need this information when selecting replacement tires 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 shown as examples only. Your tire size designation may vary depending on your vehicle.)

235/60R18 102H

235 - Width of the tire in millimeters.
60 - Aspect ratio. Sidewall height as a percentage of the tire width.
R - Radial construction code.
18 - Rim diameter in inches.
102 - Load index, a numeric code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry.
H - Speed rating symbol. Refer to the Speed Rating table in this section for more information.

Wheel Size Designation

Tires are also marked with important information that you will need if you ever have to replace one.

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 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 for this 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 mark shows the plant code number, tire size, tread design, and the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture.

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1522 means that the tire was manufactured in the 15th week of 2022.

4. Tire Ply Composition and Material

The number of plies or layers of rubberized fabric in the tire. Tire manufacturers must also state 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 the original factory tire.

7. DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

Your vehicle's tires meet all United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.

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

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 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. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet asphalt and concrete pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces. 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.

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 life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level of performance that all passenger car tires must meet under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B 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 tire failure.