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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 the
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 compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire
safety standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
ABCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
03 = Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
—03 means the 3rd week.
01 = Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)
—01 means the year 2001
— Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one 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 Terminology and Definitions
TermDefinition
Accessory Weight This means the combined weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and
air conditioning.
Air Pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square
inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that
hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles
less 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving.
Curb Weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard and optional equip-
ment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,
but without passengers and cargo.
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TermDefinition
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire A tire used on light duty trucks and some multipurpose passen-
ger vehicles.
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight The number of occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg).
Occupant Distribution Designated seating positions.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Radial Ply Tire A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads
are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Recommended Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure as
shown on the tire placard.
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TermDefinition
Rim A metal support for a tire and upon which the beads are seated.
Sidewall The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.
Tread The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators Narrow bands, sometimes called wear bars, that show across the
tread of a tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
Vehicle Capacity Weight The number of designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire Load on a individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Tire Loading and Tire Pressure
Tire Placard Location
NOTE:The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
on the driver’s side B-Pillar.
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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) total weight your vehicle can carry
3) tire size designed for your vehicle4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
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 in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
Tire and Loading Information Placard
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XXX kg” 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 lbs or XXX kg”
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 lbs or XXX kg.
4.
The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount
equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five 150 lb (68 kg)
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (295 kg) (since5x150
= 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs [295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:
•The following table shows examples on how to calcu-
late total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
•For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
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WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
•Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
•Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can re-
sult in over-heating and tire failure.
•Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.(Continued)
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