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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• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on US design stan -
dards. 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
o
nly. 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 US design standards and it
b
egins 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,
T1
45/80D18 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 US design standards, or
T
or S = Temporary spare tire or
3
1 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
2
15, 235, 145 =
Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
•
Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
1
0.5 = Section width in inches (in)
R
= Construction code
• "R" means radial construction, or
•
"D" means diagonal or bias construction
1
5, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
S
ervice 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 corre -
s
ponding to its load index under certain operating conditions
• The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved
u
nder specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road condi -
tions, and posted speed limits)
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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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Tire Terminology And Definitions
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver side
B-
pillar or the rear edge of the driver side door.
Term Definition
B-pillar The vehicle B-pillar is the structural member of the
bo
dy located behind the front door.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Cold tire inflation pressure is defined as the tire
pr
essure 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.
In
flation pressure is measured in units of PSI
(pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum
pe
rmissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the
sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire In
flation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire
in flation pressure as shown on the tire placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle
de
scribing the vehicle’s loading capacity, the
original equipment tire sizes and the
recommended cold tire inflation pressures.
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Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the spare tire (if
equipped), at least monthly and inflate to the recommended pressure
for your vehicle.
Example Tire Placard Location (Door)
Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)
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Tire And Loading Information Placard
Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
• Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
•
Total weight your vehicle can carry.
•
Tire size designed for your vehicle.
•
Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and spare tires.
L
oading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed the load
ca
rrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You will not exceed the
tire's load carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading conditions,
tire size, and cold tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and
Loading Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting
And Operating” section of your Owner’s Manual.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition, Gross Axle Weight
Ra
tings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer
to
wing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the “Starting And Operating”
section of your Owner’s Manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your vehicle, locate
th
e statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
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Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory
op
eration of your vehicle. Four primary areas are affected by
improper tire pressure:
• Safety and Vehicle Stability
•
Economy
•
Tread Wear
•
Ride Comfort
S
afety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the stability of the vehicle
a n
d can produce a feeling of sluggish response or over responsiveness
in the steering.
NOTE:
• Unequal tire pressures from side to side may cause erratic and
unpredictable steering response.
• Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the vehicle to drift
l
eft or right.
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause collisions.
•
Underinflation increases tire flexing and can result in over -
h
eating and tire failure.
• Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion shock. Objects
o
n the road and chuckholes can cause damage that result in tire
failure.
• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect vehicle handling
a
nd can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could
l
ose control of your vehicle.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to the other
c
an cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recommended cold
t
ire inflation pressure.
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Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling resistance resulting in
hi
gher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnormal wear
pa
tterns 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. Overinflation
pr
oduces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on the driver side
B-
pillar or rear edge of the driver side door.
At least once a month:
• Check and adjust tire pressure with a good quality pocket-type
p
ressure 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.
I
nflation pressures specified on the placard are always “cold tire
in
flation 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
ho
urs. 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
te
mperatures, as tire pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of
ai
r temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire
pressure inside a garage, especially in the Winter. CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, always reinstall the
va
lve stem cap. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering
the valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.