How to Read a Tire's Sidewall
Practically everything you need to know about a tire can be found on its sidewall.
The following pieces of information are typically branded on the sidewall of the tire:
- Tire Manufacture
- Tire Name
- Tire Size (Width, Aspect Ratio, Rim Diameter)
- Radial
- Z-Rated
- Load Index & Speed Symbol
- U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
- Severe Conditions (Snow, Mud)
- Tire Ply Composition and Materials
- Maximum Load Rating
- Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
- Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
Check out the following articles for more detailed descriptions of the various branding items:
- Understanding Tire Sizes
- Tire Anatomy and Construction
- Knowing Your Tire Inflation Pressure
- Tire Inflation Pressure and Temperature
- Tire Inflation Pressure and Time
- Tire Inflation Pressure and Performance
- How Tire Inflation Pressure Affects Wet Performance
- Understanding and Calculating Tire Dimensions
- DOT Tire Identification Number
TireBuyer Learning Center Articles
Shop for Tires at TireBuyer.com