2005 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 243

Car care Tire Sidewall Labeling Useful information about a tire is molded into it´s sidewall. Tire size: The tire size ia a combination of letters and numbers used to define a particular tire´s width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and service description. Department of Transportation (DOT): The Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety standards. Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters and numbers following DOT code are the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides of the tire. Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on the performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance. For more information see "Uniform Tire Quality Grading" on page 238. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load. For information on recommended tire pressure see "Recommended lowest tire pressure, cold tires" on page 277 and "Loading Your Vehicle" on page 243. 241 Tire Size The following illustration shows an example of a typical passenger car tire size. 215 / 55 R | a a b c d e f | b | c 16 93 | d | e H | f Tire Width Aspect Ratio Belt Rating Rim diameter Load range Speed rating Tire Width: The three-digit number indicates the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.