Tire labels contain essential information that helps you select the right tires for your vehicle. Here's a breakdown of what you might find on a tire label in the US and what each part means:
Key Tire Markings
DOT: This mark indicates that the tire meets the regulatory requirements of the US Department of Transportation.
Manufacturing Codes (DM, AB, CD, EFG): These codes indicate the place of manufacture, size, and type of tire.
Load and Pressure Limits: Maximum load and air pressure are indicated as max LOAD 545 kg (1202 lbs) and max Pressure 300 kPa (44 psi).
Construction Details (PLIES): This tells you about the tire's construction. For example, Tread area - 1 Rayon + 2 Steel + 1 Nylon; Sidewall: 1 Rayon.
TWI (Tread Wear Indicator): This marks the wear indicators. Sometimes indicated with an arrow.
Treadwear Rating: A number like 180, indicating relative tread life. Higher numbers mean better wear resistance and stability.
Traction Rating: Graded as A, B, or C. Tires with A offer the best traction, while C offers the least.
Temperature Rating: Grades (A, B, or C) indicate the tire’s ability to withstand heat. Higher grades mean better performance at high speeds.
Safety Warnings: Important safety instructions for mounting and using the tire.
Additional Labels and What They Mean
High Performance (HP) and Ultra High Performance (UHP): Indicate tires designed for better performance and safety on wet surfaces, with reduced rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency.
Rotation Direction: Some tires have arrows indicating the correct direction of rotation, crucial for proper installation.
Asymmetric Tread Patterns: These have markings like "Side Facing In" and "Side Facing Out" to guide correct mounting.
Tire Classification Systems
P-Metric System: Common in the US, Japan, and other countries, indicating the intended use of the tire before the tire's profile width. Examples include:
P (Passenger): For passenger cars.
LT (Light Truck): For light trucks, vans, and SUVs.
LTP (Light Truck Personal): For personal use light trucks.
T (Temporary): For compact spare tires.
For example, P205/75R15 and LT235/75R15 indicate different types of vehicles and uses.
Inch-Based System: Often used for tires on jeeps and pickups, where the main parameter is the tire's outer diameter. For example:
30x9.5R15LT: Indicates a tire with a 30-inch diameter, 9.5-inch width, radial construction, and 15-inch rim diameter, for light trucks.
Additional Considerations
Commercial Tires (C): Indicated by a "C" after the rim diameter, used for light trucks and vans. These tires have a higher load rating and should not be used on passenger cars due to their stiffness.
For example, 185R14C 102/100M means:
185R14C: Tire size.
102/100: Load index for single and dual tires.
M: Speed rating (up to 130 km/h).
Conclusion
Understanding these labels helps you choose the right tires for your vehicle, ensuring safety, performance, and longevity. For more detailed advice or to find the perfect tires for your needs, visit our website or contact our experts.
