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 a tire size designation:

(These numbers are for example only; the tire size designation on your tire may vary depending on your vehicle.)

P205/55R16 89H

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).

205 - Tire width in millimeters.

55 - Aspect ratio. The tire's profile height as a percentage of its width.

R - Tire construction code (radial).

16 - Wheel rim diameter in inches.

89 - Load index, a numerical 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 section.

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: 6.0JX16

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 speed ratings currently used for passenger vehicles. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation on the tire sidewall. This symbol corresponds to the maximum safe operating speed of the tire.

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

Any tire older than 6 years from its date of manufacture (including the spare tire) should be replaced with a new one. You can find the date of manufacture on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel) in the DOT code. The DOT code is a series of numbers and English letters on the tire. The date of manufacture 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 1619 means the tire was manufactured in the 16th week of 2019.

WARNING - Tire Age

Replace tires at the recommended intervals. Failure to replace tires on time as recommended may cause sudden tire failure, which may result in 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 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:

TREADWEAR 440
TRACTION A
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 vary significantly from the norm due to differences in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.

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

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 government-designated test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked 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: 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 the tire material to degrade and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.