Reading a Tire
The side of your tire, known as the sidewall, contains all the information you will need to know about your tire. Whether your tire says "Goodyear" or some other name, all tires are required to have this information.
Glossary of Terms
Tire Type defines the proper use of the tire. “P” means this is a Passenger car tire. If the tire had an “LT” then the tire would be for a Light Truck.
Tire Width is the width of the tire measured in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall. This tire is 215 millimetres.
Aspect Ratio is the ratio of the height of the tire's cross-section to its width. 65 means that the height is equal to 65% of the tire's width.
Construction tells you how the tire was put together. The "R" stands for radial, which means that the body ply cords, which are layers of fabric that make up the body of the tire, run radially across the tire from bead to bead. "B" indicates the tire is of bias construction, meaning that the body ply cords run diagonally across the tire from bead to bead, with the ply layers alternating in direction to reinforce one another.
Wheel Diameter is the width of the wheel from one end to the other. The diameter of this wheel is 15 inches.
Load Index is a number that corresponds to the maximum load in kilograms that a tire can support when properly inflated. You will also find the maximum load in pounds and in kilograms moulded elsewhere on the tire sidewall.
Speed Rating is a number that corresponds to the maximum service speed for a tire. "H" means that the tire has a maximum service speed of 210 km/h. Please note that this rating relates only to tire speed capability, and is NOT a recommendation to exceed legally posted speed limits; always drive within the legal speed limits.
Back to topSpeed Rating Chart
Many Goodyear tires are available in speed-rated versions to match the speed capabilities of the world's fastest cars. Generally, it is recommended that a speed-rated tire be replaced with a tire having an equivalent or greater speed rating.
In situations where tires having different top speed ratings are mixed on a vehicle, the maximum speed certification is limited to the top speed certification of the tire with the lowest speed rating. Speed ratings do not indicate how well a tire handles or corners. They certify the tire's ability to withstand high speed.
*The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company does not recommend the use of its products in excess of the legal speed limits
"DOT" means the tire is compliant with all applicable safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Adjacent to this is a tire identification or serial number; a combination of numbers and letters with up to 12 digits.
"UTQG" stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading, a quality rating system developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Back to topTire Grades: Uniform Tire Quality Grading System or UTQG
Except for snow tires, the DOT requires the manufacturers to grade passenger car tires based on three performance factors: tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. The UTQG rating of each Goodyear passenger car and light truck tire is listed in the Car/Light Truck Tire Catalogue.
Back to topTread Wear
- More Than 100 - Better
- 100 - Baseline
- Less Than 100 - Poorer
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. A tire graded 200 would wear twice as long on the government test track as one graded 100. Your actual tire mileage depends upon the conditions of their use and may vary due to driving habits, service practices, differences in road characteristics and climate. Note: Tread wear grades are valid only for comparisons within a manufacturer's product line. They are not valid for comparisons between manufacturers.
Back to topTraction
- A - Best
- B - Intermediate
- C - Acceptable
Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. The Traction grade is based upon "straight ahead" braking tests; it does not indicate cornering ability.
Back to topTemperature
- A - Best
- B - Intermediate
- C - Acceptable
The temperature grades represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperatures can cause the materials of the tire to degenerate and thus reduce tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to tire failure.
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