Tire Sidewall Labelling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The examples below show a typical passenger
vehicle tire and a compact spare tire 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): Originalequipment tires designed to
GM’sspecific tire performance criteria have a TPC
specificationcode molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC
specificationsmeet 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): Theletters and
numbersfollowing DOT (Department of Transportation)
codeis the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN
showsthe manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and
datethe tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto
bothsides of the tire, although only one side may have
thedate 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):
Tiremanufacturers are required to grade tires based on
threeperformance factors: treadwear, traction and
temperatureresistance. For more information see
UniformTire Quality Grading on page 5-70.
(G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
5-59