Wheel and Tire Guide Information

Side Wall Lettering, Standard Tire

~2min read

Example: Continental ContiPremiumContact 2

Side Wall Lettering, Standard Tire
1 - Size Designation

For example B. 205/55 R 16. Refer to → Anchor

2 - Position of Tread Wear Indicators (TWI)
3 - Manufacturer (Trade Name)
4 - Construction

Radial - radially-oriented fibers in carcass

Tubeless - Identifier for tubeless tires

5 - Load Index/Speed Rating

For example 91. Refer to → Anchor

For example H. Refer to → Anchor

6 - Specified Direction of Travel of Tire/Assembly Tool
7 - Maximum Permissible Load

Specifications for North America only

8 - Maximum Permissible Tire Pressure

Specifications for North America only

9 - Number of Ply Layers in the Center of the Tread and in the Sidewalls and Information About the Material
10 - ER Number = Approval Number

The tires fulfill all European guidelines.

11 - Manufacturing Code/Date of Manufacture

Identification number for manufacturer's factory, tire size and tire model

Tire age/date of manufacture. Refer to → Chapter "Tires, Aging"

12 - DOT - Department of Transportation

Tire meets the guidelines of the American traffic authorities

13 - Designation for Brazil, INMETRO
14 - Identification for China, CCC
15 - Country of Manufacture

For example: Made in Germany

16 - Safety Notes for Use or Fitting of Tires
17 - Tread Wear Index - Resistance to Abrasion

based on a US standard test

18 - Traction Rating - Evaluation of Wet Braking Ability A, B or C

according to US test

19 - Temperature Resistance Index A, B or C

according to US test

20 - Identifying Run-Flat Tires

For example, Self Supporting Runflat

Identifying run-flat tires. Refer to → Chapter "Run-Flat Tire, Structure and Identification, SST Tire"
21 - Tread Designation

For example, ContiPremiumContact

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Touran quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.