Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000
1 - Size Designation (215/55 ZR16)
2 - Manufacturer (Trade Name)
3 - Tread Designation
4 - Label for Tubeless Tires
5 - Radial - Construction (Radially-Oriented Fibers in Shell)
6 - Note for Versions with "Rim Protection"
7 - Production Date - See Tire Aging
Note
Retreaded tires also have a label "R" or "Retreated" and the date when it was retreaded instead of the production date.
8 - E number = Approval Number The Tires Fulfill all European Guidelines.
Note
9 - Production Country - Manufactured in Germany.
10 - Internal Tread Code from Manufacturer
11 - Department of Transportation - the Tires Fulfill the Guidelines of the American Traffic Authorities
12 - Example: Dunlop SP Sport 9000
DOT - identification number code for production plant, tire size and tire version
13 - Maximum Permitted Load (Load Index)
Note
Additional designation of "Reinforced" or "Extra Load" or "XL" is required for tire load capacity increase
14 - Number of Layers in the Tread Center and in the Sidewalls and Specification of Material
15 - Position of Tread Wear Indicator (TWI)
16 - Relative Service Life Expectancy - Abrasion Resistance - Refers to a US-Specific Standard Test
17 - Rating of Wet Braking Capability: A, B or C Based on US-Specific Test
18 - Rating of Temperature Stability: A, B or C Based on US-Specific Test
19 - Safety Notes for use or Fitting of Tires
20 - Indication of "Ultralight Construction", Tire is up to 30% Lighter
21 - Specified Running Direction of Tire
22 - Inmetro Label, is Only Required for the Brazilian Market
Tire Dimension Explanation
1 - Tire width
2 - Aspect ratio in %
3 - Tire construction code "R" (means radial)
4 - Rim diameter designation
5 - Load index (LI)
6 - Speed Rating
7 - Winter tire/designation for all-season tire
Note
Note
Run-flat tires, SST (Self Supporting Tire) and PAX have a special designation on the tire sidewall depending on the manufacturer.
Run-Flat Tire (PAX), Labeling On Sidewall
1 - Tire width
2 - Aspect ratio in %
3 - Tire construction code "R" means radial
4 - Rim diameter designation
5 - Load index
6 - Speed Rating
7 - Winter tire/designation for all-season tire
EU Tire Label
Brief Overview - EU Tire Label
Starting on 11/01/2012, tire manufacturers must comply with the new EU Regulation (EG) 1222/2009 (Tire Labeling Regulation).
The Tire Labeling Regulation requires that information pertaining to rolling resistance (fuel efficiency), wet grip and external rolling noise be printed on a uniform EU tire label. The goal of this is to increase safety and ecological and economical road transport efficiency by using tires that are safer, quieter and use less fuel.
The new EU tire label contains concrete information for seven classes from A to G.
There are 3 different categories:
1 - Rolling Resistance
2 - Wet Grip
3 - Noise Emission
EU Tire Label, Purposes
The EU Tire Label Provides the end-user with Information about the tire's Most Important Properties. However, it Does not Provide all Critical Safety Criteria.
The tires test check many other performance factors, including the following:
EU Tire Label, Categories
Rolling Resistance
Rolling Resistance:
The rolling resistance of a tire is defined by the rolling resistance coefficient cR:
Goal
Evaluation
Note
A - Lowest rolling resistance coefficient = lowest fuel consumption
B - + 0.10 liters / 100 km
C - + 0.12 liters / 100 km
E - + 0.14 liters / 100 km
F - + 0.15 liters / 100 km
G - + 0.15 liters / 100 km
Wet Grip
Definition
For the wet grip, the wet grip parameter G must be determined. The wet grip parameter G is defined by testing the distance required by a standardized vehicle to brake from 80 km/h down to 20 km/h on a wet, even road surface. The test is performed using predefined standard reference test tires (SRTT), allowing for the wet grip parameter G to be determined. Mean fully developed deceleration (mfdd) is used for the test.
The mean fully developed deceleration is determined thusly:
S - the braking distance between 80 km/h and 20 km/h in meters
The wet grip parameter G is determined thusly:
mfdd - mean fully developed deceleration
Goal
Evaluation
Note
A - lowest wet grip parameter = shortest braking distance
B - 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category A
C - 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category B
E - 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category C
F - 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category E
1 - When emergency braking at 80 km/h, the difference between using class A and class F tires can be more than 18 m.
Noise Emission
Goal
Evaluation
Note