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Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded
into its sidewall.
(A) Tire Size
: The tire size is a combination of
letters and numbers used to define a particular
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction type
and service description. See the “Tire Size”
illustration later in this section for more detail.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
: Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have
a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation)
:
The Department of Transportation (DOT) code
indicates that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
: The
letters and numbers following the DOT code are
the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN
shows the manufacturer and plant code, tire size,
and date the tire was manufactured. The TIN
is molded onto both sides of the tire, although
only one side may have the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material
: The type of cord and number
of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
:
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance factors:
treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.
For more information see Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-72.
Passenger Car Tire Example
5-51