2004 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 214
2004 Honda Civic Manual
Page 214 highlights
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles), Tire Labeling Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance, which all passenger vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure. Tire Labeling The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below. Tire Size R 16 94 V Tire construction code (R indicates radial). Rim diameter in inches. Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry). Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating). Tire Identification Number Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. Following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means. P225/55R16 94V P 225 55 Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle). Tire width in millimeters. Aspect ratio (the tire's section height as a percentage of its width). Tire Identification Number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example TIN. DOT B97R FW6X 2202 DOT This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Manufacturer's identification mark. Tire type code. Date of manufacture. B97R FW6X 2202 Technical Information 211