On the Road - continued
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
P - The "P" indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles. NOTE: Passenger car tires are not recommended for
use on trailers, because the capacity ratings are not marked on the side walls of these tires. In the event a
passenger car tire is used, the capacity must be derated by 10%. Contact your local tire dealer.
Next number - This three digit number gives with width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall
edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.
Next number - This two digit number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire's ratio of height to width.
Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on
dry pavement.
R - The "R" stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20
years.
Next number - This two digit number is the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size,
you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter.
Next number - This two or three digit number is the tire's load index. It is a measurement of how much weight
each tire can support. Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
Contact your local tire dealer.
M+S - The "M+S" or "M/S" indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have
these markings.
Speed Rating - The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended
periods of time. The ratings range from 99 miles per hour (mph) to 186 mph. These ratings are listed below.
Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
Q
99 mph
R
106 mph
S
112 mph
T
118 mph
U
124 mph
H
130 mph
V
149 mph
W
168* mph
Y
186* mph
*For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR.
For those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number - This begins with the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last
four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3197 means the 31st
week of 1997. The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information
is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used - The number of plies indicates the number of layers of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can support.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Maximum Load Rating - This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be
carried by the tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure - This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should
ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
30
Letter Rating Speed Rating
Summary of Contents for 2013 Creek Side
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