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 displayed.

2. Tire Size Designation

The tire size is molded on the sidewall of the tire. This information is needed when selecting replacement tires for your vehicle. The following explains the meaning of the letters and numbers in the tire size designation.

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

195/65R15 91H

P - Applicable vehicle type (tires with the "P" prefix are intended for use on passenger cars or light trucks; however, not all tires have this marking).

195 - Tire width in millimeters.

65 - Aspect ratio. The height of the tire sidewall as a percentage of its width.

R - Tire construction code (radial).

15 - Rim diameter in inches.

91 - Load index, a numeric code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry.

H - Speed rating symbol. For more information, refer to the speed rating table in this chapter.

Wheel size designation

Wheels are also marked with important information that you will need if you ever replace one. The following explains the meaning of the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation.

Example of wheel size designation: 6.0JX15

6.0 - Rim width in inches.

J - Rim contour designation.

15 - Rim diameter in inches.

Tire speed rating

The table below lists many of the various 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 under rated conditions.

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

Any tire older than 6 years, depending on its manufacturing date, will naturally lose strength and performance with age (even unused spare tires). Therefore, tires (including the spare) should be replaced with new ones. You can find the manufacturing date on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel), indicated by the DOT code. The DOT code is a series of numbers and English letters on the tire. The manufacturing 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 plant code number, tire size, and tread pattern, while the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture.

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1616 means that the tire was manufactured in the 16th week of 2016.

WARNING - Tire Age

Tires age over time, even if they are not used. Regardless of remaining tread depth, tires should generally be replaced after six (6) years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high-load conditions may accelerate the aging process. Failure to heed this warning may result in sudden tire failure, which may lead to loss of control and accidents causing serious injury or death.

4. Tire Ply Composition and Material

The number of plies of rubberized 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 ply construction.

5. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure

This number is the maximum air pressure that may be put into 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 the vehicle, always use a tire with the same load capacity as the tire installed at the factory.

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:

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 specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1½) times as well as a tire graded 100 on the government test course.

Relative tire performance depends on actual conditions of use, however, and may differ significantly from the norm due to differences in driving habits, maintenance practices, and differences in road and climate conditions.

These markings are molded onto the sidewalls of passenger car tires. Tires available as standard or optional equipment on your vehicle may differ depending on the rating.

Traction - AA, A, B and C

Traction grades, from highest to lowest: AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet asphalt, measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

WARNING

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: 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 test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause tire material degradation and shorten tire life, and excessive temperature may cause sudden tire failure. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

WARNING - Tire Temperature

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive load, either individually or in combination, may cause overheating and possible sudden tire failure. This may result in loss of vehicle control and serious injury or death.

Low Aspect Ratio Tire (if equipped)

Low aspect ratio tires, with an aspect ratio of less than 50, are designed for a sporty appearance.

Because low aspect ratio tires are optimized for handling and braking, they may provide a less comfortable ride and produce more road noise compared to conventional tires.

CAUTION

Because the sidewall of a low aspect ratio tire is shorter than that of a conventional tire, the wheel and tire of a low aspect ratio tire are easier to damage. Therefore, follow the instructions below.

- When driving on rough roads or off-road, drive carefully, as tires and wheels may be damaged. After driving, inspect the tires and wheels.
- When passing over a pothole, speed bump, manhole, or curb, proceed slowly to avoid damaging the tires and wheels.
- If a tire is damaged, we recommend that you have the tire inspected or contact an authorized Kia dealer.
- To prevent tire damage, check the tire condition and pressure every 3,000 km (2,000 miles).

CAUTION

• Tire damage is not easy to recognize visually. However, if there is any sign of tire damage, even though the damage is not visible, inspect or replace the tire, because tire damage may cause air to leak from the tire.
• Damage to a tire caused by driving on rough roads, off-road, or over a pothole, manhole, or curb is not covered by the warranty.
• Tire information can be found on the tire sidewall.