Tire designation - GF40.10-P-1020-01A

Fig 1: Example Of Tire Designation (Example 1)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

For the designation of tires as per ECE directive, with the exception of ZR tires (see example 2), the speed symbol for the permissible maximum speed is specified after the tire size.

Fig 2: Example Of Tire Designation (Example 2)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Fig 3: Example Of Tire Designation (Example 3)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Other important identifications

The four-digit code or production code as per the DOT letter sequence and numerical sequence specifies the manufacture date, e.g. 0907 = 9th week in the year 2007 (number 1 and 2 = production week, number 3 and 4 = the last digits of the year of manufacture).

M + S = slush and snow tires (winter tires)

All other designations are USA identification specifications.

Fig 4: Identifying Other Identifications Of Tires

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

The speed symbol "W" has been added to the usual speed symbols "Q/R/S/T/H/V/VR/ZR". This symbol identifies tires that have been approved for speeds up to a maximum speed of 270 km/h.

When installing new tires, these tires can be used as a replacement for "VR" and "ZR" tires. An entry in the registration papers is not necessary.

The speed symbol "Y" has also been added. This symbol identifies tires that have been approved for speeds up to a maximum speed of over 270 km/h.