Tire Sidewall LabelingUseful information about a tire is molded into itssidewall. The examples below show a typicalpassenger vehicle tire and a compact spare tiresidewall.(A) Tire Size: The tire size is a combination ofletters and numbers used to define a particular tire’swidth, height, aspect ratio, construction type, andservice description. See the “Tire Size” illustrationlater in this section for more detail.(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance CriteriaSpecification): Original equipment tires designedto GM’s specific tire performance criteria havea TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed allfederal safety 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 DOT (Department ofTransportation) code is the Tire IdentificationNumber (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturerand plant code, tire size, and date the tire wasmanufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides ofthe tire, although only one side may have the dateof manufacture.(E) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and numberof plies in the sidewall and under the tread.Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example5-50
