Tire labeling (example)  Meaning 
TREADWEAR 220  Relative service life expectancy of the tire referenced to a US-
specific standard test. 
TRACTION A  Traction rating under wet conditions (AA, A, B or C). 
TEMPERATURE A  Temperature stability of the tire at increased test bench speeds 
(A, B or C). 
Additional numbers found on the tire could either be tire manufacturer internal labels or 
country-specific labels (such as for Brazil and China). 
 
Unidirectional tires 
Unidirectional tires are designed to rotate only in one direction. Unidirectional tires have arrows on the 
sidewalls that show the direction of rotation. Make sure you mount the tire so that it rotates in the 
proper direction. The tire's performance with regard to hydroplaning, traction, noise, and wear is worse 
if it is not mounted in the proper direction of rotation. 
If you have to mount a tire opposite to its proper direction of rotation, you must drive more carefully, 
since the tire is no longer being used as designed. This is particularly important on wet roads. You 
must replace or remount the tire as soon as possible in order to restore the correct direction of 
rotation. 
Load rating code 
The load index indicates the maximum permissible load per individual tire in pounds (kilograms). 
91   1356 lbs (615 kg) 
92   1388 lbs (630 kg) 
93   1433 lbs (650 kg) 
95   1521 lbs (690 kg) 
97   1609 lbs (730 kg) 
98   1653 lbs (750 kg) 
99   1709 lbs (775 kg) 
100  1763 lbs (800 kg) 
101  1819 lbs (825 kg) 
102  1874 lbs (850 kg) 
103  1929 lbs (875 kg) 
104  1984 lbs (900 kg) 
110  2337 lbs (1060 kg) 
Speed rating code letter 
The speed rating code letter indicates the maximum permissible road speed of the tires. 
P   up to 93 mph (150 km/h) 
Q   up to 99 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) 
U   up to 124 mph (200 km/h) 
H   up to 130 mph (210 km/h) 
V   up to 149 mph (240 km/h)