Overview - Side Wall Lettering

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Size Designation (215/55 ZR16)
- Label on PAX tires. Refer to RUN-FLAT TIRE (PAX), LABELING ON SIDEWALL
Manufacturer (Trade Name)
Tread Designation
Label for Tubeless Tires
Radial - Construction (Radially-Oriented Fibers in Shell)
Note for Versions with >>Rim Protection<<
Production Date - See Tire Aging
- TIRES, AGING
  NOTE:
  Retreaded tires also have a label "R" or "Retreated" and the date when it was retreaded instead of the production date.
E number = Approval Number The Tires Fulfill all European Guidelines.
- European guidelines according to ECE-R30, EEC92/93 or ECE - R 117
  NOTE:
  Based on the EU guideline ECE- R117, tires that fulfill the new driving noise limits also have an "S" designation for Sound on the sidewall.
  
  For passenger vehicle tires with a cross section up to 185 mm: from 10/01/2009
  
  For passenger vehicle tires with a cross section from 185 mm to 215 mm: from 10/01/2010
  
  For passenger vehicle tires with a cross section over 215 mm: from 10/01/2011
Production Country - Manufactured in Germany.
Internal Tread Code from Manufacturer
Department of Transportation - the Tires Fulfill the Guidelines of the American Traffic Authorities
Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000
DOT - identification number code for production plant, tire size and tire version
Maximum Permitted Load (Load Index)
- Table. Refer to LOAD RATING/LOAD INDEX (LI) .
  NOTE:
  Additional designation of "Reinforced" or "Extra Load" or "XL" is required for tire load capacity increase
- Reinforced, Extra Load Tires. Refer to TIRES, REINFORCED, EXTRA LOAD
Number of Layers in the Tread Center and in the Sidewalls and Specification of Material
Position of Tread Wear Indicator (TWI)
- TREAD DEPTH, MEASURING .
Relative Service Life Expectancy - Abrasion Resistance - Refers to a US-Specific Standard Test
Rating of Wet Braking Capability: A, B or C Based on US-Specific Test
Rating of Temperature Stability: A, B or C Based on US-Specific Test
Safety Notes for use or Fitting of Tires
Indication of "Ultralight Construction", Tire is up to 30% Lighter
Specified Running Direction of Tire
Inmetro Label, is Only Required for the Brazilian Market

Tire Dimension Explanation

Tires	Speed	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Summer tires	up to 240 km/h	195	65	R	15	91	V	-
Winter tires	Up to 160 km/h	195	65	R	15	91	Q	M + S
Winter tires	Up to 190 km/h	195	65	R	15	91	T	M + S
High speed tires	Over 240 km/h	225	50	ZR	16	91	-	-

Tire width
Aspect ratio in %
Tire construction code "R" (means radial)
Rim diameter designation
Load index (LI)
Speed Rating
Winter tire/designation for all-season tire

NOTE:

A designation required by Audi may also be on the sidewall, such as "R01" and/or "AO". These are approved by Audi and are specially designed for specific Audi models.

The designation "R01" can vary depending on the model from "R02 or R0...".

NOTE:

Based on the EU guideline ECE- R117, tires that fulfill the new driving noise limits also have an "S" designation for Sound on the sidewall.

For passenger vehicle tires with a cross section up to 185 mm: from 10/01/2009

For passenger vehicle tires with a cross section from 185 mm to 215 mm: from 10/01/2010

For passenger vehicle tires with a cross section over 215 mm: from 10/01/2011

Run-flat tires, SST (Self Supporting Tire) and PAX have a special designation on the tire sidewall depending on the manufacturer.

CAUTION:

It is mandatory for run-flat tires to have a tire pressure monitoring system in the vehicle. Refer to TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM .