Typical tire symbols

Tire size

DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Uniform tire quality grading For details, see “Uniform Tire Quality Grading” that follows.

Location of treadwear indicators

Run-flat tire (RFT) or standard tire This vehicle can be equipped with either run-flat tires (RFT) or standard tires. A “RFT” or “DSST” mark is molded on the sidewall of the run-flat tire.

Tire ply composition and materials Plies are layers of rubber-coated parallel cords. Cords are the strands which form the plies in a tire.

Radial tires or bias-ply tires A radial tire has “RADIAL” on the sidewall. A tire not marked “RADIAL” is a bias-ply tire.

TUBELESS or TUBE TYPE A tubeless tire does not have a tube and air is directly put into the tire.

A tube type tire has a tube inside the tire and the tube maintains the air pressure.

Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure

Maximum cold tire inflation pressure This means the pressure to which a tire may be inflated.

Summer tires or all season tires An all season tire has “M+S” on the sidewall. A tire not marked “M+S” is a summer tire.

“TEMPORARY USE ONLY” A compact spare tire is identified by the phrase “TEMPORARY USE ONLY” molded on its sidewall. This tire is designed for temporary emergency use only.