2013 Hyundai Sonata Owner's Manual - Page 359

Maintenance Tire speed ratings The chart below lists many of the different speed ratings currently being used for passenger car tires. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation on the sidewall of the tire. This symbol corresponds to that tire's designed maximum safe operating speed. Speed Rating Symbol S T H V Z Maximum Speed 112 mph (180 km/h) 118 mph (190 km/h) 130 mph (210 km/h) 149 mph (240 km/h) Above 149 mph (240 km/h) 3. Checking tire life (TIN : Tire Identification Number) WARNING - Tire age Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. Regardless of the remaining tread, it is recommended that tires generally be replaced after six (6) years of normal service. Heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process. Failure to follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure, which could lead to a loss of control and an accident involving serious injury or death. 4. Tire ply composition and material Any tires that are over 6 years old, based on the manufacturing date, (including the spare tire) should be replaced by new ones. You can find the manufacturing date on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel), displaying the DOT Code. The DOT Code is a series of numbers on a tire consisting of numbers and English letters. The manufacturing date is designated by the last four digits (characters) of the DOT code. DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO The front part of the DOT means a plant code number, tire size and tread pattern and the last four numbers indicate week and year manufactured. For example: DOT XXXX XXXX 1612 represents that the tire was produced in the 16th week of 2012. The number of layers or plies of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others. The letter "R" means radial ply construction; the letter "D" means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter "B" means belted-bias ply construction. 7 44