2010 Suzuki Kizashi Owner's Manual - Page 313

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE Tires For safe operation of your vehicle, it is important that the tires be the correct type and size, in good condition, and properly inflated. Be sure to follow the requirements and recommendations in this section. Tire Sidewall Labeling Useful information about a tire is molded into its sidewall. The example below shows a typical passenger car tire. Typical Passenger Car Tire Sidewall C I D J B H G A E F 67D027 A. Tire Manufacturer The name of the tire manufacturer is shown here. B. Tire Name/Model The tire name or model is shown here. C. Tire Size The tire size code is a combination of letters and numbers used to define a particular tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and service description. See the "Tire Size" explanation later in this section for more details. D. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number The Department of Transportation (DOT) marking indicates that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The letters and numbers following the DOT marking is the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN identifies the tire manufacturer and plant, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured. E. Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance. Refer to the "Uniform Tire Quality Grading" section for more details. F. Load Rating Load rating is the maximum weight a tire is designed to support in normal service. G. Max Inflation Pressure Max inflation pressure is the maximum inflation pressure a tire is designed for. H. Tire Ply Material These tire markings describe the type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread. I. 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 Speed Rating 99 mph 106 mph 112 mph 118 mph 7-28