Tire, Labeling: Notes

Side Wall Lettering

Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Side Wall Lettering

Courtesy of AUDI

1. Size Designation (215/55 ZR16)
   • Refer to AUDI PAX TIRES, SIDE WALL LABELING 
2. Manufacturer (Trade Name)
3. Tread Designation
4. Label for Tubeless Tires
5. Radial - Construction (Radially-Oriented Fibers in Shell)
   • Refer to RADIAL TIRE STRUCTURE 
   • Refer to SST TIRES, STRUCTURE AND LABELING, RUN-FLAT TIRE 

     Refer to RUN-FLAT TIRE, SEAL INSIDE-TECHNOLOGY, STRUCTURE 

6. Note for Versions with >>Rim Protection<<
7. Production Date - See Tire Aging
   NOTE:

   Retreaded tires also have a label "R" or "Retreated" and the date when it was retreaded instead of the production date.

8. 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

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

    DOT - identification number code for production plant, tire size and tire version

13. Maximum Permitted Load (Load Index)
    NOTE:

    Additional designation of "Reinforced" or "Extra Load" or "XL" is required for tire load capacity increase

    • Refer to TIRES, REINFORCED, EXTRA LOAD 
    • Refer to EXTRA LOAD (XL) V WINTER TIRES 
14. Number of Layers in the Tread Center and in the Sidewalls and Specification of Material
15. Position of Tread Wear Indicator (TWI)
16. Relative Service Life Expectancy - Abrasion Resistance - Refers to a US-Specific Standard Test
17. Rating of Wet Braking Capability: A, B or C Based on US-Specific Test
18. Rating of Temperature Stability: A, B or C Based on US-Specific Test
19. Safety Precaution for Use or Fitting of Tires
20. Indication of "Ultralight Construction", Tire is up to 30% Lighter
21. Specified Running Direction of Tire
22. Inmetro Label, Is Only Required for the Brazilian market

Run-Flat Tires, SST (Self Supporting Tire) and PAX Have a Special Designation on the Tire Sidewall Depending on the Manufacturer.