0028
Manufacturer
0029 Tire ply material (Y page 137)
0018 Tire size designation, load and speed
rating (Y page 134)
0019 Load identification (Y page 136)
001A Tire name
i For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
For more information, see “Rims and
tires” (Y page 210).
Tire size designation, load and speed
rating 0002
Tire width
0003 Aspect ratio in %
002B Radial tire code
002A Rim diameter
0028 Tire load rating
0029 Tire speed rating
i For information purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or aletter preceding the tire
size designation. No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size
designation: Light Truck tire based on U.S.
design standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only.
Tire width
Tire width 0002indicates the nominal tire
width in mm.
Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio 0003is the dimensional
relationship between tire section height
and section width and is expressed as a
percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at
by dividing section height by section
width.
Tire code
Tire code 002Bindicates the tire
construction type. The “R” stands for radial
tire type. Letter “D” means diagonal or
bias ply construction; letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire
speed rating” (Y page 135).
Rim diameter
Rim diameter 002Ais the diameter of the
bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge.
Rim diameter is indicated in inches (in). 134
Tires and wheels>> Operation.
Tire load rating
G
WARNING
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
tire failure may result and cause an
accident and/or serious personal injury to
you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
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 load rating 0028is a numerical code
associated with the maximum load a tire
can support.
For example, a load rating of 91
corresponds to a maximum load of 1356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load” (Y page 130)
where the maximum load associated with
the load index is indicated in kilograms
and lbs.
For additional information on tire load
rating, see “Load identification”
(Y page 136).
Tire speed rating G
WARNING
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others. Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Tire speed rating 0029indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires Index Speed rating
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)
S up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...Y above 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(Y) above 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR above 149 mph (240 km/h)
R
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any
tire with a speed capability above
149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in
the size designation (for example:
245/40 ZR18). To determine the maximum
speed capability of the tire, the service
description for the tire must be referred
to.
The service description is comprised of
tire load rating 0028and tire speed rating
0029.
If your tire includes “ZR” in the size
designation and no service description
is given, the tire manufacturer must be
consulted for the maximum speed
capability.
If a service description is given, the
speed capability is limited by the speed Tires and wheels
135>> Operation. Z
symbol in the service description.
Example: 245/40 ZR18 97Y.
In this example, “97Y” is the service
description. The letter “Y” designates
the speed rating and the speed
capability of the tire is limited to
186 mph (300 km/h).
R Any tire with a speed capability above
186 mph (300 km/h) must include a “ZR” in
the size designation AND the service
description must be placed in
parenthesis. Example:
275/40 ZR 18 (99Y). The “(Y)” speed rating
in parenthesis designates the maximum
speed capability of the tire as being
above 186 mph (300 km/h) .Consult the tire
manufacturer for the actual maximum
permissible speed of the tire.
All-season and winter tires Index Speed rating
Q M+S
7 up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S
7 up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S
7 up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V M+S
7 up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all M+S rated tires provide special
winter performance. Make sure the tires
you use show M+S and the mountain/
snowflake marking 0001on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow
traction performance requirements of
the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of
Canada (RAC) and have been designed
specifically for use in snow conditions. Load identification
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
In addition to the tire load rating, special
load identification 0002may be molded into
the tire sidewall following the letter
designating the tire speed rating 0029
(Y page 135).
No specification given: absence of any text
(like in above example) indicates a
standard load (SL) tire.
XL or Extra Load: designates an extra load
(or reinforced) tire.
Light Load: designates a light load tire.
C, D, E: designates load range associated
with the maximum load a tire can carry at a
specified pressure. DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations require each new tire
manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a
TIN into or onto a sidewall of each tire
produced.
7 or M+S 0001for winter tires. 136
Tires and wheels>> Operation.
The TIN is a unique identifier which
facilitates efforts by tire manufactures to
notify purchasers in recall situations or
other safety matters concerning tires and
gives purchasers the means to easily
identify such tires.
The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s
identification mark” 0003, “Tire size”002B,
“Tire type code” 002A, and “Date of
manufacture” 0028.
i For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
DOT (Department of Transportation) Tire branding symbol
0002which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark Manufacturer’s identification mark
0003
denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four
symbols. For more information on
retreaded tires (Y page 122).
Tire size Code
002Bindicates the tire size. Tire type code Tire type code
002Amay, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive
code for identifying significant
characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture Date of manufacture
0028identifies the week
and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first
full week of the calendar year. The second
two figures represent the year.
For example, “3202” represents the 32nd
week of 2002. Tire ply material
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the
sidewall 0002and under the tread 0003. Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
transmission, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, Tires and wheels
137>> Operation. Z
and heater, to the extent that these items
are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).
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) or bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.
Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.
Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if
so equipped, air conditioning and
additional optional equipment, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S.
Department of Transportation. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight. The gross vehicle weight on each
axle must never exceed the GAWR for the
front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B‑pillar.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, installed
accessories, passengers and cargo. The
GVW must never exceed the GVWR indicated
on the certification label located on the
driver’s door B‑pillar.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight
of the vehicle including all options,
passengers, fuel, and cargo. It is indicated
on certification label located on the
driver’s door B‑pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air
pressure is bars. There are
100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit and production options
weight.
Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire.138
Tires and wheels>> Operation.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution The distributio
nofoccupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
PSI (Pounds per square inch) A standard unit of measure for air
pressure.
Recommended tire inflation pressure
The recommended tire inflation pressure
for normal driving conditions is listed on
the Tire and Loading Information placard
located on driver’s door B‑pillar and
provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.
Rim Am
etal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead. TIN (Tire Identification Number) Unique identifier which facilitates
efforts by tire manufacturers to notify
purchasers in recall situations or other
safety matters concerning tires and gives
purchasers the means to easily identify
such tires. The TIN is comprised of
“Manufacturer’s identification mark”,
“Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of
manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
Tire ply composition and material used
This indicates the number of plies or the
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric
in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and sidewall, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.
Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s
designated seating capacity.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road via
the tires. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road. Tires and wheels
139>> Operation. Z
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear
bars” that show across the tread of a tire
when only 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire
manufacturers using U.S. government
testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire.
Vehicle maximum load on the tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle
its share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing it by two.
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
electric drive smart center.
This service includes:
R Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.
R Addition of washer concentrate to the
water of the windshield/rear window.
Use a windshield washer concentrate
labeled for winter which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(Y page 212).
R 12 V battery test. The capacity of the
12 V battery test drops with decreasing
ambient temperature.
R Tire change. Winter tires
G
WARNING
Winter tires with a tread depth of less
than 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They
are no longer suitable for winter
operation.
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45 ¦(7¥) and whenever wintry road
conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake marking 0001on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow
traction performance requirements of the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)
and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
and have been designed specifically for
use in snow conditions. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS and ESP ®
in winter
operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the "Technical data"
section (Y page 210).
Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If
the maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available at your tire
dealer or any authorized electric drive
smart center. Snow chains*
! Remember that snow chains must always
be compatible with the tire sizes of a
vehicle. Snow chains that are approved
by smart are only permitted for the
following tire size: 140
Winter driving>> Operation.
* optional
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes. G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Limited braking effect on salted roads Remember that the effect of the brakes can
be limited on salted road surfaces. Alayer
of salt can form on brake discs and brake
pads, considerably reducing the friction
between the brake disc and the brake pad.
The effect is most noticeable after long
trips without braking, e.g. on the highway,
and after the vehicle has been parked for
several hours. G
WARNING
The accumulation of salt on brake discs and
brake pads reduces braking effectiveness
and increases the distance necessary to
come to a complete standstill. This could
potentially cause an accident and/or
personal injury.
To avoid this risk, you should
R brake carefully every now and then on
salted roads in order to remove any layer
of salt on the brake disc and brake pad,
but do so without endangering any other
road users
R keep a good safe distance from the
vehicle in front and drive carefully
R press the brake carefully at the end of the
trip and again when beginning the next
trip in order to remove any salt residues
from the brake disc
New brake pads Only install brake pads recommended by
smart. G
WARNING
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired.
This could result in an accident.
G
WARNING
New brake pads will not achieve their
optimal braking effect until after several
hundred miles (kilometers). This means
that you must compensate for the reduced
braking effect by pressing harder on the
brake pedal and adapt your driving style
accordingly. The same applies after brake
pads or brake discs have been changed. Drive sensibly - save energy
Energy consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save energy you should:
R Drive carefully and maintain a suitable
distance from the vehicle in front.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove carriers* when not in use.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required by
the Maintenance System. Contact an
authorized electric drive smart center.
Energy consumption is also increased by
driving in stop-and-go traffic, on short
trips, and in hilly areas. Tires
G
WARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has Driving instructions
143>> Operation.
* optional Z