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DOT
The "DOT" marking indicates that the tire meets or exceeds
the U.S. Department of Transportation's safety standard for
tires.
Manufacturer Plant Code - "CC"
The first two letters following the DOT marking are codes to
identify the manufacturer of the tire and the manufacturing
plant.
Tire Size - "9L"
The third and fourth characters following the DOT marking
are codes representing the tire size.
Brand Characteristics - "YYY
The final three or four letters are codes representing other
significant characteristics of the tire as determined by the
manufacturer.
Manufacture Week - "11"
The first pair of digits identifies the week the tire was
manufactured. In this case, the tire was manufactured in the
11th week. The number 01 would indicate the first week of
January, whereas the number 52 would indicate the last week
of December.
Manufacture Year - "05"
The second pair of digits identifies the year that the tire
was manufactured, in this case 2005.
Treadwear - "520"
The treadwear rating is a measurement of the tire's
durability, but not the projected tread life. It is
important to remember that road surfaces, driving habits,
and other factors determine actual tread life. Each tire
manufacturer independently determines treadwear through
their own tests. Treadwear is not based on any one industry
or government standard.
Traction - "A"
The traction rating is a measurement of a tire's ability to
stop on a straight, wet surface under controlled conditions.
It does not indicate the tire's cornering ability on a wet
surface or its traction on ice or snow. Traction grades
include AA, A, B, and C, with AA being the highest grade
available.
Temperature - "A"
The temperature rating is a measurement of a tire's
resistance to heat generation under normal operating
conditions at recommended inflation pressures. Temperature
grades range from A to C, with A being highest rated and
therefore most resistant to heat generation.
Maximum Load Limit - "635 kg [1400
lbs]"
This indicates the tire's maximum load-carrying capabilities
when the tire is inflated to its maximum inflation pressure,
as indicated on the sidewall. Max load is based on standards
set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA).
Maximum Air Pressure - "300 kPa [44 psi]"
This indicates the maximum operating inflation pressure of
the tire. It does not indicate the manufacturer's
recommended inflation pressure, nor does it indicate the
proper air pressure based on the vehicle the tire is mounted
on. This category is also based on NHTSA standards.
Note - Some tires are marked 'Extra Load', 'XL', or 'RF'
(for reinforced). This simply denotes that the tire's
indicated maximum load and air pressure are higher than a
standard load tire.
This indicates what materials are
used in the tire's plies, and the quantity of each type
included.
Some tires indicate the direction of
rotation on the sidewall, while others indicate a specific
side of the tire that is intended to face outward from the
vehicle. Another type of tire combines both indications. It
is important that these tires be mounted according to the
indicated instructions.
Directional Tires
Directional tires feature arrows on the sidewall that
indicate what direction the tire should rotate when the
vehicle is moving forward.
Asymmetrical Tires
Asymmetrical tires have the word "outside" labeled on the
side of the tire that should face outward from the vehicle.
Directional & Asymmetrical Tires
Tires that are both directional and asymmetrical will
indicate what direction the tire must rotate, as well as
what side must face outward from the vehicle.
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