Page 3 of 262
TIRES
2
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the following
in
formation: Tire Markings, Tire Identification Numbers, Tire
Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire Markings
Tire Markings
NOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on US design standards.
P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded into the sidewall
preceding the size designation. Example: P215/65R15 95H.
• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European design stan -
d
ards. Tires designed to this standard have the tire size molded into
th
e sidewall beginning with the section width. The letter "P" is
absent from this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
1 — US DOT Safety Standards Code (TIN)
2 — Size Designation
3 — Service Description
4 — Maximum Load
5 — Maximum Pressure
6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
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TIRES
4
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire; however, the
da
te 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.
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire
in dicates 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
EXAMPLE:
DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301
DOT = Department of Transportation
•
This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the US Department of Trans -
p
ortation tire safety standards and is approved for highway use
MA = Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)
L
9 = Code representing the tire size (two digits)
A
BCD = Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)
0
3 = 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
r
epresent the year in which the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could repre -
sent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991
EXAMPLE:
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PIRELLI TIRES
198
What Is Not Covered By The Warranty?
• Tires on any vehicle registered and normally operated outside the
U
nited States of America or Canada.
• Tires transferred from the vehicle on which they were originally
i
nstalled.
• Tires misapplied due to insufficient Speed Rating, Load Index,
u
ndersized or oversized tires.
• Tires damaged from improper mounting/dismounting practices,
a
buse, misuse, or neglect.
• Tire dealer/retailer services: mounting, dismounting, balancing,
s
tudding, tire rotation, or wheel alignment.
• Mileage warranty on tires fitted as Original Equipment (Pirelli
b
rand tires supplied as original equipment on new vehicles).
• Passenger tires ( Euro-metric / P-metric ) used on commercial vehi -
c
les or used in commercial applications.
• Tires in which anything other than air or nitrogen has been used as
t
he support medium.
• Tires injected with liquid balancer or sealant or any other balancing
m
aterial.
• Tires which have been modified by the addition or removal of mate -
r
ial or any tire intentionally altered to change its appearance.
• Tires improperly repaired or with repairs not conforming to Tire
a
nd Rubber Association of Canada standards, or with section
repairs, or with a self-vulcanizing plug only or patch only.
• Tires which have been recapped, or retreaded, or regrooved.
•
Tires used in racing or other competitive events.
•
Tires removed in multiples when only one tire can be claimed, or is
s
uspect of a claim.
• Ride related anomalies after the first 2/32” of treadwear.
•
Tires which become unserviceable because of tire operation in
e
xcess of tire/wheel manufacturers’ specifications and recommen -
dations, including spinning.
• Tires which become unserviceable because of a mechanical irregu -
l
arity in the vehicle such as misalignment, defective brakes, defec -
tive shock absorbers or struts, or improper rims.