2010 BMW X3 Owner's Manual - Page 99
2010 BMW X3 Manual
Page 99 highlights
Tire identification marks Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the right tires. Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A Tire size e.g. Nominal width in mm Cross-sectional relationship in Ξ Radial tire code Rim diameter in inches Load rating, not for ZR tires Speed rating, before R on ZR tires 235/50 R 18 97 V DOT Quality Grades Tread wear Traction AA A B C Temperature A B C All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.< Tread wear Speed code letter Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h 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 course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT code: e.g. Manufacturer code for tire make Tire size and tire design Tire age DOT xxxx xxx 3005 Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These 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. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.< Tire age The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on the sidewall: DOT ...3008 indicates that a tire was manufactured in week 30 of the year 2008. BMW recommends that you replace all tires after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last for 10 years. 97 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 602 348 - © 02/09 BMW AG Reference Mobility Driving tips Controls At a glance