Side Wall Lettering Overview: Notes

Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000

Fig 1: Identifying Tire Side Wall Lettering (Dunlop SP Sport 9000 Shown)

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Size Designation (215/55 ZR16)
   • Writing on PAX tires, refer to TIRES WITH EMERGENCY RUNNING CHARACTERISTICS (PAX), LETTERING ON SIDE WALL 
2. Manufacturer (Trade Name)
3. Tread Designation
4. Identifier for Tubeless Tires
5. Radial Construction (Radially-Oriented Fibers In Carcass)
6. Information on Version with Flange Protection
7. Manufacture Date - See Tire Aging
   • Refer to TIRES, AGING 
     NOTE:

     Retreated tires also have an "R" or "Retreated" and the retreated date rather than a date of manufacture.

8. E Number = Approval Number. The Tires Fulfill all European Guidelines.
   • European guideline according to ECE-R30, EEC92/93 or ECE - R 117
     NOTE:

     Based on European Guideline ECE- R117 for new noise limits, these tire also have an "S" on the sidewall.

     For passenger vehicle tires with an average width up to 185 mm: as of 10/01/2009.

     For passenger vehicle tires with an average width from 185 mm up to 215 mm: as of 10/01/2010.

     For passenger vehicle tires with an average width wider than 215 mm: as of 10/01/2011.

9. Country of Manufacture - Manufactured in Germany
10. Manufacturer Internal Profile Code
11. Department of Transportation - The Tires Fulfill the Guidelines from the American Transportation Authorities
12. Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000

    DOT - code identification number for manufacturer's factory, tire size and tire version

13. Maximum Permissible Load (Load Index)
    • Table, refer to LOAD INDEX (LI) 
      NOTE:

      if needed, "Reinforced" or "Extra Load" or "XL" for the increased tire load capacity

    • Reinforced, Extra Load tire, refer to TIRES, REINFORCED, EXTRA LOAD 
14. Number of Ply Layers In the Center of the Tread and in the Sidewalls and Information about the Material
15. Position of TWI Tread Wear Indicator
    • Refer to TREAD WEAR INDICATORS - TWI 
16. Relative Service Life Expectancy - Abrasion Resistance - Based on a US-Specific Standard Test
17. Evaluation of Wet Braking Ability A, B or C According to US-Specific Test
18. Evaluation of Temperature Stability A, B or C According to US-Specific Test
19. Safety Notes for use or Fitting of Tires
20. Indication of "Ultralight Construction"; Tires are up to 30% Lighter
21. Specified Direction of Travel Of Tire
22. Inmetro Designation, only Necessary for Brazilian Market