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.)

P205/55R16 89H

P - Passenger vehicle tire type (tires marked with the prefix "P" are intended for use on passenger cars or light trucks; however, not all tires carry this marking).
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.
89 - 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: 6.0JX16

6.0 - Rim width in inches.
J - Rim contour designation.
16 - Rim diameter in inches.

Tire Speed Ratings

The table below lists many of the different speed ratings currently used for passenger cars. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation on the tire sidewall. This symbol corresponds to the maximum safe operating speed for which the tire is designed.

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

Any tire older than 6 years from its 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 inner side 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 first part of the DOT code indicates the factory code number, tire size, and tread pattern, and the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture.

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1620 means the tire was manufactured in the 16th week of 2020.

WARNING - Tire Age

Replace tires within the recommended time frame. Failure to replace tires as recommended may result in sudden tire failure, which may lead to loss of control and an accident.

4. Tire Ply Composition and Material

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 air pressure that may be supplied 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 a tire on the vehicle, always use a tire with the same load capacity as the original equipment 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:

TREADWEAR 440
TRACTION A
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 times (1½) as well as a tire graded 100 on the government test 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.

Tires deteriorate over time, even if they are not used. Regardless of remaining tread depth, we recommend that tires be replaced after approximately six (6) years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high-load conditions may accelerate the aging process.

These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger car tires. Tires are available as standard or optional equipment on your vehicle and may vary by 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 government-designated test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire graded C may have poor traction performance.

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 material to degrade and reduce tire service life, and excessive temperature may lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to the minimum performance level that all passenger car tires must meet under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher performance levels on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Tire Terminology and Definitions

Atmospheric pressure: the amount of air pressure inside the tire pushing outward on the tire. Atmospheric pressure is expressed in kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi).

Accessory weight: the total weight of optional accessories. Examples of optional accessories are an automatic transmission, power seats and air conditioning.

Aspect ratio: the ratio of tire height to its width.

Belt: a layer of rubber-coated cords located between the plies and the tread. The cords may be made of steel or other reinforcing materials.

Bead: the bead of the tire contains steel wire wrapped in steel cables that hold the tire on the rim.

Bias ply tire: a pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid alternately at an angle of less than 90 degrees to the tread centerline.

Cold tire pressure: the amount of air pressure in the tire, measured in kilopascals (kPa) or pounds per square inch (psi) before the tire has built up heat from driving.

Curb weight: the weight of the vehicle with standard and optional equipment, including maximum fuel, oil and coolant, but without passengers and cargo.

DOT marking: a code molded into the tire sidewall indicating that the tire complies with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designation that may also identify the tire manufacturer, manufacturing plant, brand and date of manufacture.

GVWR: gross vehicle weight rating.

GAWR FRT: front axle gross axle weight rating.

GAWR RR: rear axle gross axle weight rating.

Outboard sidewall: the side of an asymmetric tire that must always face outward when installed on the vehicle.

Kilopascal (kPa): metric unit of air pressure.

Light truck (LT) tire: a tire designated by its manufacturer primarily for use on light trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Load index: an assigned number in the range from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load capacity of the tire.

Load ratings: the maximum load the tire is designed to carry at a given inflation pressure.

Maximum inflation pressure: the maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The maximum air pressure is molded on the sidewall.

Maximum load rating: the load rating of the tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight: the sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight and production options weight.

Normal occupant weight: the number of occupants in the vehicle calculated as the number of seating positions multiplied by 150 lb (68 kg).

Occupant distribution: the seating positions assigned to occupants.

Outward-facing sidewall: the side of an asymmetric tire that has a specific side designated to face outward when installed on the vehicle. The outboard sidewall has white lettering or the manufacturer's brand, trademark and/or model name moldings that are higher or deeper than the same moldings on the inboard sidewall.

P-metric (passenger) tire: a tire used on passenger cars and some light trucks and multipurpose vehicles.

Ply: a layer of rubberized parallel cords.

Pneumatic tire: a mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric and steel or other materials which, when mounted on a vehicle wheel, provides traction and contains gas or fluid that supports the load.

Variety of equipment: the combined weight of installed factory options and accessories exceeding the standard equipment by more than 5 lb (2.3 kg). Items that replace standard equipment are not previously included in curb weight, or additional weight, including heavy-duty brakes, ride height leveling devices, roof rack, heavy-duty battery, and special trim.

Recommended Inflation Pressure: The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is shown on the vehicle tire placard.

Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the body cords extend to the beads and are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

Rim: A metal support for the tire on which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall: The portion of the tire between the tread and the bead.

Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a load.

Traction: The friction between the tire and the road surface. Provides the degree of grip.

Tread: The portion of the tire that contacts the road.

Tread Wear Indicators: Narrow bands, sometimes called "wear bars," that appear in the tread grooves of the tire when only 1/16 in. of tread remains.

UTQGS: Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for tire traction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government-specified test procedures. Ratings are molded into the tire sidewall.

Vehicle Capacity Weight: The number of seating positions multiplied by 150 lb (68 kg), plus the rated cargo and luggage load.

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: The load on an individual tire due to curb weight plus optional weight plus the maximum number of passengers and cargo weight.

Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire: The load on an individual tire, determined by distributing the curb weight, optional weight, and normal passenger weight and 2 driver weights to each axle.

Vehicle Placard: A label permanently attached to the vehicle showing the original equipment tire size and recommended inflation pressure.