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U.S. DOT Tire Identication Number
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
where it was manufactured, and the last four numbers represent the
week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3197 means
the 31st week of 1997. The other numbers are marketing codes used at
the manufacturer’s discretion. This information is used to contact con-
sumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fab-
ric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight
a tire can support. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in
the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that
can be carried by the tire.
Maximum Permissible Ination Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be
put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
1.5.9.2. UTQGS Information
Treadwear Number
This number indicates the tire’s wear rate. The higher the treadwear
number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 400 should last twice as long as a tire graded 200.
Traction Letter
This letter indicates a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher
graded tire should allow you to stop your car on wet roads in a shorter
distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest
to lowest as “AA”,”A”, “B”, and “C”.
Temperature Letter
This letter indicates a tire’s resistance to heat. The temperature grade is
for a tire that is inated properly and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underination or excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. From highest to lowest,
a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”.
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