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Speed rating, 7
The speed rating denotes the speed at
which a tire is designed to be driven for
extended periods of time. The ratings
range from 99 mph to 186 mph. These
ratings are listed in the following table.
Note: You may not find this information
on all tires because it is not required by
law.
U.S DOT Tire Identification Number
(TIN), 8
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 can be used to contact
consumers if a tire defect requires a
recall.
M+S and all season icon, 9
The M+S or M/S indicates that the tire
has some mud and snow capability. Most
radial tires have these markings.
Tires with all season icon have a level of
winter performance.
Tire ply composition and materials
used, 10
The number of plies indicates the number
of layers of rubber-coated fabric 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.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
Q99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168 mph
Y 186 mph*
* For tires with a maximum speed
capability over 149 mph, tire
manufacturers sometimes use the
letters ZR. For those with a maximum
speed capability over 186 mph, tire
manufacturers always use the letters
ZR.