Tire Sidewall Markings

Information Contained: basic dimensions week it was produced types of materials used internally to reinforce the rubber maximum inflation pressures and loads certifies the tire meets industry standards and government regulations not all information is branded on every tire

Tire Size – P215/65 R15 Tire Type: Identifies vehicle type. P denotes passenger vehicle; LT denotes Light Truck. Tire Width: Measured in millimetres. E.g. 215 Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the height of the tire's cross-section to its width. E.g. 65 Construction: R denotes radial, whereas B indicates a bias construction. Wheel Diameter: The greatest distance across the wheel from tread to tread, measured in inches. E.g. 15

Load Index and Load Capacity Load Index: The maximum load in pounds (lb.) that the tire can support when properly inflated based on the Load Index Chart. E.g. 89 Load IndexPoundsKilograms

Speed Rating Speed Rating: Indicates the maximum service speed for the tire based in the speed- rating chart. E.g. " H " indicates a maximum tolerable speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). Rating Symbol Maximum Speed (km/h) Q160 S180 T190 U200 H210 V240 * ZR W270 Y300 Over 300

UTQG Rating UTQG stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading. based on treadwear, traction and temperature capabilities

Treadwear based on the wear rate of the tire E.g. a tire with a 200 treadwear rating would wear twice as long as a tire with a 100 rating.

Traction and Temperature Traction Grades: Identify the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement E.g. Traction A – AA: Very Best – A: Best – B: Intermediate – C: Acceptable Temperature Grades: Denote the tire's resistance to the generation of heat. Excessive temperatures can lead to tire failure. E.g. Temperature A – A: Best – B: Intermediate – C: Acceptable

Severe Snow Tires A mountain/snowflake symbol branded on the tire's sidewall identifies tires that met the required performance in snow testing. M+S (Mud + Snow): Indicates this is an all- season tire.

Tire Identification Number Tires sold in Canada have a number with information about when and where the tire was produced. Example: – B3 : Indicates the manufacturer and plant code – CD : Tire size code – E52X : Optional – 2602 : Week and year of manufacture (in this example the 26th week of 2002) The maple leaf symbol indicates this is a Canadian made tire and certifies that it meets all of Transport Canada's requirements.

Load & Pressure Marking Tire pressures are normally measured in "pounds per square inch" (psi), Kilopascals (kPa), or bars of pressure (bars: MAX. LOAD 630 kg (1389 lbs) MAX. PRESSURE 300 kPa (44 psi)