2008 Suzuki Forenza Owner's Manual - Page 173
2008 Suzuki Forenza Manual
Page 173 highlights
SERVICE AND APPEARANCE CARE tration later in this section for more detail. Department of Transportation (DOT) Code 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 the DOT code are the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer and plant code, tire size and the date the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded on to both sides of the tire, although only one side may have the date of manufacture. 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 three performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load. Load Index and Speed Rating The two- or three-digit number is the tire's load index, the maximum load a tire can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol at the maximum inflation pressure. The higher the number is, the greater the load carrying capacity. The letter symbol denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. (Ratings are listed below.) Letter Rating Q R S T U H V W Y Speed Rating 99 mph 106 mph 112 mph 118 mph 124 mph 130 mph 149 mph 168 mph* 186 mph* A. Temporary Use Only Marking The compact spare tire should not be driven at speeds over 50 mph (80 km/ h). The compact spare tire is for emergency use when a regular road tire has lost air and gone flat. See "Compact Spare Tire" and "If a Tire Goes Flat" in this section. B. Tire Ply Material The type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread. C. Tire Identification Number (TIN) The Tire Identification Number (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, although only one side may have the date of manufacture. D. Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit Maximum load that can be carried Compact Spare Tire Example B. C. D. E. F. *The letters ZR may be used on tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph and will always be used on tires with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph. G. 5-29