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 the event of a recall.

1. Manufacturer or Brand Name

The manufacturer or brand name is displayed.

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 for example only; the size designation of your tire may vary depending on your vehicle.)

P235/55R19 108T

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

235 - Tire width in millimeters.

55 - Aspect ratio. Tire section height as a percentage of its width.

R - Tire construction code (radial).

19 - Rim diameter in inches.

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

T - 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 will need if you ever have to replace one. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation mean.

Example wheel size designation: 7.5JX19

7.5 - Rim width in inches.

J - Rim contour designation.

19 - Rim diameter in inches.

Tire Speed Ratings

The table below lists many of the various 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 of the tire design.

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

Any tires older than 6 years, based on the date of manufacture (including the spare tire), should be replaced with new ones. You can find the date of manufacture on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel), shown as 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 front part of the DOT code indicates the plant code number, tire size, and tread pattern, and the last four digits indicate the week and year of production. For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1618 means that the tire was manufactured in the 16th week of 2018.

WARNING

Tire Age

Tires age over time, even if they are not used. Regardless of remaining tread, we recommend replacing tires after approximately six (6) years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high-load conditions can accelerate the aging process. Failure to follow this warning may result in sudden tire failure, which may lead to loss of control and an accident resulting in serious injury or death.

4. Tire Ply Composition and Material

The number of plies or layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufacturers must also indicate 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 ply construction; and the letter "B" means belted bias construction.

5. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure

This number is the maximum air pressure that may 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 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:

PLY 200
TRACTION AA
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 specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1½) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.

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

These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger car tires. Tires are available as standard or optional equipment on your vehicle, and the grade may differ depending on the equipment on your vehicle.

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 pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

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 service life, and excessive temperature may 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.

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.

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 loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible sudden tire failure. This may result in loss of vehicle control and serious injury or death.