Maximum Load
Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is
designed to carry.
Maximum pressure
Maximum Pressure indicates the maximum permissible
cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire, but
the date code may only be on one side. Tire 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 1504
DOT Department of Transportation
This symbol certifies that the tire is in com-
pliance with U.S. Department of Transpor-
tation tire safety standards, and is ap-
proved for highway use
MA Code representing the tire manufacturing
location.(2 digits)
L9
ABCDCode representing the tire size. (2 digits)
Code used by tire manufacturer. (1 to 4
digits)
15 Number representing the week in which
the tire was manufactured. (2 digits)
04 Number representing the year in which the
tire was manufactured. (2 digits)
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
MAINTENANCE 335
9
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C
The 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 perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 385
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