D
Load index ( Y page 261)
E Tire name
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example. Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating
:
Tire width
; Nominal aspect ratio in %
= Tire code
? Rim diameter
A Load bearing index
B Speed rating
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter
that precedes the size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size
description (as shown above): these are
passenger vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these are
passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "LT" precedes the size description: these
are light truck tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "T" precedes the size description: these are
compact emergency spare wheels at high tire pressure, to be used only temporarily in an
emergency.
Tire width:
tire width : shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Nominal aspect
ratio: aspect ratio ; is the
ratio between the tire height and tire width
and is shown as a percentage. The aspect
ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code: tire code = specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter ? is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load bearing index: load bearing index A
is a numerical code that specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire. G
WARNING
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
sudden tire failure may be the result which
could cause
an accident and/or serious injury
to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with rims and
tires having the same specifications
(designation, manufacturer and type) as
shown on the original part. G
WARNING
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver's door B-pillar . Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout.
Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure. Tire labeling
259
Wheels and tires Z
Identification plates
Vehicle identification plate with
vehicle identification number (VIN)
and paint code number
X
Open the front left-hand door.
You will
see vehicle identification plate :.Vehicle identification plate (example, USA only)
;
VIN
= Paint code Vehicle
identification plate (example, Canada only)
; VIN
= Paint code i
The data shown on the vehicle
identification plate is used only as an
example. This data is different for every
vehicle and can deviate from the data
shown here. The correct data for your
vehicle can be found on the vehicle
identification plate
that is mounted on your
vehicle. Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) can
be found in the following locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
(
Y page 271)
R stamped into
the chassis on the right-hand
side (when viewed in the direction of travel)
R on the lower edge of the windshield :
VIN (stamped into the chassis on the
right-hand side, when viewed in the
direction of travel) :
VIN
(on the lower edge of the windshield) Identification plates
271
Technical data Z
