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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
Tire Sizing Chart
NOTE:
P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter“P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: P215/65R15 95H.
NOTE:European Metric tire sizing is based on Euro-
pean design standards. Tires designed to this standard
have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning
with the section width. The letterPis absent from this
tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
NOTE:LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on
U.S. design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the letters
“LT”that are molded into the sidewall preceding the size
designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
NOTE:Temporary Spare tires are high pressure com-
pact spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter“T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
NOTE:High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards and begins with the tire diameter
molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
256 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
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EXAMPLE:
Size Designation:
P= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards
...blank...= Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT= Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards
T= Temporary Spare tire
31= Overall Diameter in Inches (in)
215= Section Width in Millimeters (mm)
65= Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)
—Ratio of section height to section width of tire.
10.5= Section Width in Inches (in)
R= Construction Code
—Rmeans Radial Construction.
—Dmeans Diagonal or Bias Construction.
15= Rim Diameter in Inches (in)
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Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire
however the date code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full TIN including
date code located on the white sidewall side of the tire.
Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black sidewall
tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side then you will find it on the inboard side
of the tire.
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT= Department of Transportation
—This symbol certifies that the tire is in com-
pliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation
tire safety standards, and is approved for highway
use.
MA= Code representing the tire manufacturing loca-
tion. (2 digits)
L9= Code representing the tire size. (2 digits)
ABCD= Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4 dig-
its)
03= Number representing the week in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
—03 means the 3rd week.
01= Number representing the year in which the tire
was manufactured. (2 digits)
—01 means the year 2001.
—Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were
only required to have 1 number to represent the year
in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031
could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991.
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Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
Tire Placard Location
NOTE:
Some vehicles have a“Tire and Loading Infor-
mation”placard located on the driver’s side“B”pillar.
Tire and Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the,
1. number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2. the total weight your vehicle can carry
3. the tire size designed for your vehicle
4. the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear and
spare tires.
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Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement“The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.”or“Vehicle Capacity”on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. The combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable)
should never exceed the weight referenced here.Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement“The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds”or
“Vehicle Capacity”on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if“XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5 x 15) =
650 lb.)
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Pressure Label....................... 149
Pressure Monitor System.............80,151
Quality Grading...................... 256
Replacement......................... 155
Rotation............................ 156
Safety............................... 48
Sizes............................... 256
Snow Tires.......................... 154
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 155
Tow-Away Alarm.....................18,181
Towing.............................. 178
Disabled Vehicle...................... 178
Trailering........................... 163
Towing Eyes.......................... 179
Traction.............................. 177
Trailer Towing......................... 163
Transmission
Automatic........................131,214
Fluid.............................. 214
Shifting............................ 131
Transporting Pets........................ 46
Tread Wear Indicators................... 155
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 19Turn Signals........................... 75
Umbrella Hook......................... 94
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 256
Universal Transmitter..................90,93
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 211
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 162
Vehicle Storage......................... 231
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 17
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 252
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 206
Washing Vehicle........................ 215
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care............... 216
Windows
Power.............................. 21
Windshield Defroster..................... 48
Windshield Washers..................... 77
Windshield Wiper Blades................. 205
Windshield Wipers...................... 77
Wiper Blade Replacement................. 205
Wiring, Ignition........................ 201
INDEX 273
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