Many markings (e.g. Tire size, Tire Identification Number or TIN) are placed on the sidewall of a tire by tire manufacturers. These markings can provide you with useful information on the tire.

▲ Tire size

Your vehicle comes equipped with P-Metric tire size. It is important to understand the sizing system in selecting the proper tire for your vehicle. Here is a brief review of the tire sizing system with a breakdown of its individual elements.

▲ P Metric

With the P-Metric system, Section Width is measured in millimeters.

To convert millimeters into inches, divide by 25.4. The Aspect Ratio (Section Height divided by Section Width) helps provide more dimensional information about the tire size.

Example:

(1) P = Certain tire type used on light duty vehicles such as passenger cars
(2) Section Width in millimeters (3) Aspect Ratio (= section height 7 section width).

(4) R = Radial Construction (5) Rim diameter in inches

▲ Load and Speed Rating Descriptions

The load and speed rating descriptions will appear following the size designation.

They provide two important facts about the tire. First, the number designation is its load index. Second, the letter designation indicates the tire’s speed rating.

(6) Load Index: A numerical code which specifies the maximum load a tire can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol, at maximum inflation pressure.

For example, “104” means 1,984 lbs (900 kg), “100” means 1,764 lbs (800 kg), “90” means 1,323 lbs (600 kg).

WARNING

Load indices apply only to the tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a load rated tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehicle can be loaded up to the tire’s rated load.

(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical system describing a tire’s capability to travel at established and predetermined speeds.

For example, “H” means 130 mph (210 km/h).

WARNING

• Speed ratings apply only to the tire, not to the vehicle.

Putting a speed rated tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehicle can be operated at the tire’s rated speed.

• The speed rating is void if the tires are worn out, damaged, repaired, retreaded, or otherwise altered from their original condition. If tires are repaired, retreaded, or otherwise altered, they may not be suitable for original equipment tire designed loads and speeds.

▲ Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Tire Identification Number (TIN) is marked on the intended outboard sidewall. The TIN is composed of four groups. Here is a brief review of the TIN with a breakdown of its individual elements.

(1) Manufacturer’s Identification Mark
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the week, starting with “01” to represent the first full week of the calendar year; the second two figures represent the year. For example, 0101 means the 1st week of 2001.

▲ Other markings

The following makings are also placed on the sidewall.

▲ Maximum permissible inflation pressure

The maximum cold inflation pressure to which this tire may be inflated. For example, “300 kPa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS”.

▲ Maximum load rating

The load rating at the maximum permissible weight load for this tire.

For example, “MAX. LOAD 730 kg (1609 LBS) @ 300 kPa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS.”

WARNING

Maximum load rating applies only to the tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a load rated tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehicle can be loaded up to the tire’s rated load.

▲ Construction type

Applicable construction of this tire.

For example, “TUBELESS STEEL BELTED RADIAL”

▲ Construction

The generic name of each cord material used in the plies (both sidewall and tread area) of this tire.

For example, “PLIES: TREAD 2 STEEL + 2 POLYESTER + 1 NYLON SIDEWALL 2 POLYESTER”

▲ Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)

For details, refer to “Uniform tire quality grading standards”4.