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.)

205/55R16 91H

205 - Tire width in millimeters.
55 - Aspect ratio. Sidewall height as a percentage of its width.
R - Tire construction code (radial).
16 - Wheel rim diameter in inches.
91 - Load index, a numerical 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 a wheel size designation:

6.5J x 16

6.5 - 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 1619 means the tire was manufactured in the 16th week of 2019.

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 (highest), B, and C, and represent the tire's resistance to generating 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 materials to deteriorate and reduce tire service life. Excessive temperature can also lead to sudden tire failure. Grades B and A represent higher performance levels on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.