Tire Sidewall LabelingUseful information about a tire is molded into itssidewall.(A) Tire Size: The tire size is a combination ofletters and numbers used to define a particulartire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction typeand service description. See the “Tire Size”illustration later in this section for more detail.(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance CriteriaSpecification): Original equipment tires designedto GM’s specific tire performance criteria have aTPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all federalsafety guidelines.(C) DOT (Department of Transportation):The Department of Transportation (DOT) codeindicates that the tire is in compliance with theU.S. Department of Transportation Motor VehicleSafety Standards.(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The lettersand numbers following the DOT code are the TireIdentification Number (TIN). The TIN shows themanufacturer and plant code, tire size, and date thetire was manufactured. The TIN is molded onto bothsides of the tire, although only one side may havethe date of manufacture.Passenger Car Tire Example5-49
