270
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Tires Tire and Loading Information Label Tire Labeling
Tire and Loading Information Label
The label attached to the drive’s doorjamb provides necessary tire and loading information. Tire LabelingThe tires that came on your vehicle have a
number of markings. Those you should be
aware of are described below.
Tire Size
■
Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same
size.
1
2
43
Label Example
Tire and Loading Information Label
The tire and loading information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb contains:
1 The number of people your vehicle can carry.
2 The total weight your vehicle can carry. Do not exceed this weight.
3 The original tire sizes for front, rear and spare.
4 The proper cold tire pressure for
front, rear and spare.
Maxi mum
Tire Pressure
Tire
Size
Tire
Identiication Number (TIN)
Tire SizeMaxi
mum
Tire Load
Example
Tire Size
Following is an example of tire size with
an explanation of what each component
means.
P195/55 R16 86V
P: Vehicle type (P indicates passenger
vehicle).
195: Tire width in millimeters.
55: Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height
as a percentage of its width).
R: Tire construction code (R indicates
radial).
16: Rim diameter in inches.
86: Load index (a numerical code
associated with the maximum load the
tire can carry).
V: Speed symbol (an alphabetical code
indicating the maximum speed rating).
Main MenuTable of Contents
272
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Tires DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.Uniform Tire Quality Grading
■
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width.
Treadwear
■
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, 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 difference s in road characteristics and
climate.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
For example: Treadwear 200Traction AATemperature A All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
Main MenuTable of Contents
