2008 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 327

Operation Tires and wheels DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) U.S. tire regulations require each new tire manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a TIN into or onto a sidewall of each tire produced. The TIN is a unique identifier which facilitates efforts by tire manufactures to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchasers the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of "Manufacturer's identification mark", "Tire size", "Tire type code", and "Date of manufacture". DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol 1 ( page 326) which denotes the tire meets requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Manufacturer's identification mark The manufacturer's identification mark 2 ( page 326) denotes the tire manufacturer. New tires have a mark with two symbols. Retreaded tires have a mark with four symbols. For more information on retreaded tires, see ( page 304). Tire size The code 3 ( page 326) indicates the tire size. 1 DOT 2 Manufacturer's identification mark 3 Tire size 4 Tire type code (at the option of the tire manufacturer) 5 Date of manufacture i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration. 326