Side Wall Lettering Overview: Notes

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NOTE:

There may also be an additional identification by Audi, such as "R01" and/or "AO" on the sidewall. This is released by Audi and is for special Audi models with special tires.

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.

NOTE:

Tires with emergency running characteristics, SST (Self-Supporting Tire) and PAX, have a special designation on the tire side wall, depending on manufacturer.

Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000

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

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Size Designation (215/55 ZR16)
- Writing on PAX tires, refer to TIRES WITH EMERGENCY RUNNING CHARACTERISTICS (PAX), LETTERING ON SIDE WALL
Manufacturer (Trade Name)
Tread Designation
Identifier for Tubeless Tires
Radial Construction (Radially-Oriented Fibers In Carcass)
Information on Version with Flange Protection
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.
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.
Country of Manufacture - Manufactured in Germany
Manufacturer Internal Profile Code
Department of Transportation - The Tires Fulfill the Guidelines from the American Transportation Authorities
Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000
DOT - code identification number for manufacturer's factory, tire size and tire version
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
Number of Ply Layers In the Center of the Tread and in the Sidewalls and Information about the Material
Position of TWI Tread Wear Indicator
- Refer to TREAD WEAR INDICATORS - TWI
Relative Service Life Expectancy - Abrasion Resistance - Based on a US-Specific Standard Test
Evaluation of Wet Braking Ability A, B or C According to US-Specific Test
Evaluation of Temperature Stability A, B or C According to US-Specific Test
Safety Notes for use or Fitting of Tires
Indication of "Ultralight Construction"; Tires are up to 30% Lighter
Specified Direction of Travel Of Tire
Inmetro Designation, only Necessary for Brazilian Market