09
9-37
Tire sidewall labeling
This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety
standard certification. The TIN can be
used to identify the tire in case of a
recall.
OHI078081
1. Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
2. Tire size designation
A tire’s sidewall is marked with a tire
size designation. You will need this
information when selecting replacement
tires for your car. The following explains
what the letters and numbers in the tire
size designation mean.Example tire size designation:
(These numbers are provided as an
example only; your tire size designator
could vary depending on your vehicle.)
235/60R18 102H
235 - Tire width in millimeters.
60 - Aspect ratio. The tire’s section
height as a percentage of its width.
R - Tire construction code (Radial).
18 - Rim diameter in inches.
102 - Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load
the tire can carry.
H - Speed Rating Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for
additional information.
Wheel size designation
Wheels are also marked with important
information that you need if you ever
have to replace one. The following
explains what the letters and numbers in
the wheel size designation mean.
Example wheel size designation:
7.5J X 18
7.5 - Rim width in inches.
J - Rim contour designation.
18 - Rim diameter in inches.
Maintenance
9-38
Tire speed ratings
The chart below lists many of the
different speed ratings currently being
used for passenger vehicle tires. The
speed rating is part of the tire size
designation on the sidewall of the tire.
This symbol corresponds to that tire’s
designed maximum safe operating
speed.
Speed Rating Symbol Maximum Speed
S 112 mph (180 km/h)
T 118 mph (190 km/h)
H 130 mph (210 km/h)
V 149 mph (240 km/h)
W 168 mph (270 km/h) Y 186 mph (300 km/h)
3. Checking tire lif e (TIN : Tire
Identification Number)
Any tires that are over six years old,
based on the manufacturing date,
(including the spare tire) should be
replaced by new ones. You can find the
manufacturing date on the tire sidewall
(possibly on the inside of the wheel),
displaying the DOT Code. The DOT Code
is a series of numbers on a tire consisting
of numbers and English letters. The
manufacturing date is designated by the
last four digits (characters) of the DOT
code.
DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO
The front part of the DOT shows a plant
code number, tire size and tread pattern
and the last four numbers indicate week
and year manufactured.
For example:
DOT XXXX XXXX 1520 represents that
the tire was produced in the 15th week
of 2020.
4. Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include steel,
nylon, polyester, and others. The letter
“R” means radial ply construction; the
letter “D“ means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
5. Maximum permissible inflation
pr essure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure. Refer to
the Tire and Loading Information label
for recommended inflation pressure.
6. Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can be
carried by the tire. When replacing the
tires on the vehicle, always use a tire that
has the same load rating as the factory
installed tire.
