
•LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards.
The size designation for LT-Metric tires is the same as for P-Metric tires
except for the letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preceding
the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary emergency use only.
Temporary high pressure compact spare tires have the letter “T” or “S”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M.
• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design standards and it
begins with the tire diameter molded into the sidewall. Example:
31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C,
T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
....blank.... = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
TorS= Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
– Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R = Construction code
– "R" means radial construction, or
– "D" means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description:
95 = Load Index
– A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol
– A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
– The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits) TIRES
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EXAMPLE:
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire
indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
• XL
= Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
• LL = Light load tire or
• C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed
to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold
tire inflation pressure for this tire
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
TIRES
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Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance resulting in higher
fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal wear patterns
and reduced tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Over-inflation
produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver’s side
B-Pillar or rear edge of the driver’s side door.
At least once a month:
•Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-type
pressure gauge. Do not make a visual judgement when determining
proper inflation. Tires may look properly inflated even when they are
under-inflated.
• Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always reinstall the
valve stem cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire inflation
pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire pressure after
the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) after sitting for a minimum of three hours. The cold tire
inflation pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pressure
molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure
inside a garage, especially in the Winter.
TIRES
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Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the outside tempera-
ture = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased
by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa) during operation.
DO NOT reduce this normal pressure build up or your tire pressure will
be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds and within posted
speed limits. Where speed limits or conditions are such that the vehicle
can be driven at high speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is
very important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle loading may
be required for high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an authorized tire
dealer or original equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe
operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maximum load is
dangerous. The added strain on your tires could cause them to fail.
You could have a serious collision. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to
the maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75 mph
(120 km/h).
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires on your vehicle
will cause your vehicle to handle poorly. The instability could cause
a collision. Always use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never combine
them with other types of tires.
TIRES14

Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including, but
not limited to:
•Driving style.
• Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal wear
patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in the need for earlier tire
replacement.
• Distance driven.
• Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of V or higher, and
Summer tires typically have a reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires
per the vehicle scheduled maintenance is highly recommended.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless
of the remaining tread. Failure to follow this warning can result in
sudden tire failure. You could lose control and have a collision
resulting in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light
as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many characteristics.
They should be inspected regularly for wear and correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The manufacturer strongly recommends that you use
tires equivalent to the originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica-
tors” in this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information placard or
the Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation of your tire. The
Load Index and Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the original
equipment tire sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found in the “Tire Safety Information”
section of this manual for more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. If you
TIRES
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories were established by the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The specific grade
rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer in each category is shown
on the sidewall of the tires on your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to Federal safety require-
ments in addition to these grades.
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 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
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement, as
measured under controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, corner-
ing, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES23

Temperature Grades
The Temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing
the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat, when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance, which all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel, than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-
inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES24

For Example Only:
Gauge reading of hot tire:................................ 32 psi (220 kPa)
If recommended cold inflation pressure is: ............. 30 psi (205 kPa)
Desired gauge reading of hot tire 3 0+4psi=........
34 psi (205 + 30 = 235 kPa)
Therefore: add 2 psi ....................................... (15 kPa)
Check cold pressure as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.
“Bleeding” air from hot tires could result in under-inflation. Use an
accurate tire gauge to check pressures. Never allow children to inflate
or deflate tires.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS):
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that is designed to monitor the pressure of tires mounted on your
vehicle and sends a signal to the driver if a tire pressure falls below a
predetermined level. A TPMS should not replace monthly manual
pressure checks for all four (4) tires and the spare. We recommend that
you manually monitor and check tire pressure inflation with a pressure
gauge.
Your tires should have the recommended pressure listed by your
vehicle’s manufacturer. This information can be found in the vehicle
owner ’s manual and often on a placard located in the vehicle’s door
jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door. If you
have a plus size fitment that requires a higher inflation pressure, your tire
pressure monitoring system will require re-calibration to the new infla-
tion pressure. Refer to your tire dealer/installer of plus size tires for
proper inflation pressure.
We recommend checking air pressure once each month, and before a long
trip. Whether you have a full-sized or mini-spare, make sure that it is
properly inflated as well. If the TPMS generates improper monitoring or
signals we recommend that you consult your owner ’s manual provided
with your vehicle and follow-up with your vehicle’s manufacturer.
BFGOODRICH TIRES
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