Kia Soul 2018, Owner'S Manual

Page: 593 / 673

Maintenance
74 8
3. Checking tyre life
(TIN : Tyre Identification Number)
Any tyres that are over 6 years, based
on the manufacturing date, tyre
strength and performance, decline
with age naturally (even unused spare
tyres). Therefore, the tyres (including
the spare tyre) should be replaced by
new ones. You can find the manufac-
turing date on the tyre sidewall (possi-
bly on the inside of the wheel), dis-
playing the DOT Code. The DOT
Code is a series of numbers on a tyre
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 means a
plant code number, tyre size and
tread pattern and the last four num-
bers indicate week and year manufac-
tured.
For example:
DOT XXXX XXXX 1617 represents
that the tyre was produced in the
16th week of 2017.
4. Tyre ply composition and mate-
rial
The number of layers or plies of rub-
ber-coated fabric are in the tyre. Tyre
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tyre, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
The letter "R" means radial ply con-
struction; the letter "D" means diago-
nal or bias ply construction; and the
letter "B" means belted-bias ply con-
struction.
5. Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should be put in the
tyre. Do not exceed the maximum per-
missible inflation pressure. Refer to
the Tyre 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 tyre. When replacing
the tyres on the vehicle, always use a
tyre that has the same load rating as
the factory installed tyre.
7. Uniform tyre quality grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tyre sidewall
between tread shoulder and maxi-
mum chapter width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A
WARNING
- Tyre age
Tyres degrade over time, even
when they are not being used.
Regardless of the remaining
tread, it is recommended that
tyres generally be replaced after
six (6) years of normal service.
Heat caused by hot climates or
frequent high loading conditions
can accelerate the aging
process. Failure to follow this
Warning can result in sudden
tyre failure, which could lead to a
loss of control and an accident
involving serious injury or death.