Section 2
Identification and Safety
Tire Identification breakdown (Cont’d)
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 number 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 consumers 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
Load rating 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.
Speed Rating
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.
Note: This information may not appear on all tires since it is not required by law.
Notes:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Q
99 mph
H
130 mph
R
106 mph
V
149 mph
S
112 mph
W
168 mph*
T
118 mph
Y
186 mph*
U
124 mph
IMPORTANT NOTE:
IF IT BECOMES NECESSARY TO REPLACE A TIRE AND
YOU FEEL IT IS A WARRANTY ISSUE, MOST TIRE
MANUFACTUERS REQUIRE THE D.O.T. NUMBER BE CUT
OUT AND RETURNED TO THEM, WITH THE WARRANTY
CLAIM, OTHERWISE THE WARRANTY COULD BE
VOIDED.
Page 25
Revised September 2012
