Side Wall Lettering

Example: Continental ContiPremiumContact 2

Fig 1: Identifying Side Wall Lettering

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

1. Size Designation 
   • For example 205/55 R 16, refer to TIRE DIMENSION EXPLANATION 
2. Position of Tread Wear Indicators (TWI) 
3. Manufacturer (Trade Name) 
4. Construction 
   • Radial - radially-oriented fibers in carcass.
   • Tubeless - Identifier for tubeless tires.
5. Load Index/Speed Rating 
   • For example 91, refer to LOAD INDEX (LI) 
   • For example H, refer to SPEED RATING/MAXIMUM SPEED 
6. Specified Direction of Travel of Tire/Assembly Tool 
7. Maximum Permissible Load 
   • Specifications for North America only.
8. Maximum Permissible Tire Pressure 
   • Specifications for North America only.
9. Number of Ply Layers in the Center of the Tread and in the Sidewalls, and Information About the Material. 
10. ER Number = Approval Number 
    • The tires fulfill all European guidelines.
11. Manufacturing Code/Date of Manufacture 
    • Identification number for manufacturer's factory, tire size and tire model.
    • Tire age/date of manufacture, refer to TIRES, AGING .
12. DOT - Department of Transportation 
    • Tire meets the guidelines of the American traffic authorities.
13. Identification for Brazil 
14. Identification for China 
15. Country of Manufacture 
    • For example: Made in Germany.
16. Safety Notes for Use or Fitting of Tires 
17. Tread Wear Index - Resistance to Abrasion 
    • Based on a US standard test.
18. Traction Rating - Evaluation of Wet Braking Ability AA, A, B or C 
    • According to US test.
19. Temperature Resistance Index A, B or C 
    • According to US test.
20. Identifying Run-flat Tires 
    • For example, Self Supporting Runflat.
    • Identifying run-flat tires, refer to STRUCTURE AND IDENTIFICATION .
21. Tread Designation 
    • For example, ContiPremiumContact.