Page 449 of 477
12-10
Specifications
Vehicle identification
1
2
3 4
5
6
7
USC507BB
1) Vehicle identification number
2) Emission control label
3) Vehicle identification number plate
4) Tire inflation pressure plate
5) Certification plate
6) Bar cord label (U.S. only)
7) Model number plate
Page 450 of 477

13-1
13
Consumer information and Reporting safety defectsTire information ............................................. 13-2Tire labeling ....................................................... 13-2
Recommended tire inflation pressure ............ 13-5
Glossary of tire terminology ............................ 13-7
Tire care – maintenance and safety practices .............................................. 13-8
Vehicle load limit – how to determine ............. 13-9
Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle
load capacities ............................................... 13-13
Adverse safety consequences of overloading on handling and stopping and on tires ........ 13-14
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit ..... 13-14
Uniform tire quality grading standards ....... 13-15 Treadwear .......................................................... 13-15
Traction AA, A, B, C .......................................... 13-15
Temperature A, B, C ......................................... 13-16
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................... 13-17
Page 452 of 477

13-3
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
– CONTINUED –
Example:
(6) Load Index: A numerical code which speci-
fies the maximum load a tire can carry at the
speed indicated by its speed symbol, at maxi-
mum inflation pressure.
For example, “94” means 1,477 lbs (670 kg).
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 de-
scribing a tire’s capability to travel at established
and predetermined speeds.
For example, “H” means 130 mph (210 km/h)
y 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. y The speed rating is void if the tires are
worn out, damaged, repaired, retreaded, or
otherwise altered from their original condi-
tion. If tires are repaired, retreaded, or oth-
erwise altered, they may not be suitable for
original equipment tire designed loads and
speeds.
T Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is marked on the
intended outboard sidewall. The TIN is com-
posed of four groups. Here is a brief review of the
TIN with a breakdown of its individual elements.
(1) Manufacturer’s Identification Mark
P 215 / 60 R 16 94 H Size designation (6) (7)
DOT XX XX XXX XXXX
(1) (2) (3)(4)
Page 453 of 477

13-4
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
(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 cal-
endar year; the second two figures represent the
year. For example, 0101 means the 1st week of
2001. T
Other markings
The following makings are also placed on the
sidewall. V Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure to which
this tire may be inflated. For example, “300 kpa
(44 PSI) MAX. PRESS” V Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum permissible
weight load for this tire. For example, “MAX.
LOAD 670 kg (1477 LBS) @ 300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX. PRESS.”
Maximum load rating applies only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a load rated
tire on any vehicle does not mean the vehi-
cle can be loaded up to the tire’s rated
load.
V Construction type
Applicable construction of this tire.
For example, “TUBELESS STEEL BELTED RA-
DIAL” V Construction
The generic name of each cord material used in
the plies (both sidewall and tread area) of this
tire.
For example, “PLIES: SIDEWALL POLYESTER
1 TREAD POLYESTER 1 + STEEL 2 + NYLON 1” V Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
For details, refer to “Uniform tire quality grading
standards” in this chapter.
Page 454 of 477