| BLK | Black tire sidewall. | LT | LIGHT TRUCK is a light truck tire. |
| REINFORCED (= RF) | Reinforced - for tires with increased carrying capacity. | LRO | LOW PLATFORM TRAILER - low platform trailer. |
| RRBL | RECESSED RAISED BLACK LETTERS - embossed embossed black characters. | VSB | VERTICAL SERRATED BAND is a vertical serrated band. |
| ORBL | OUTLINED RAISED BLACK LETTERS - Highlighted raised black letters. | ZR | Tires are designed for speeds in excess of 240 |
| BSW | BLACK SIDE WALL - black letters on the sidewall of the tire (in the designation of the tire brand). | OWL | OUTLINE WHITE LETTERS - Outline white letters on the sidewall of the tire. |
Reinforced tires markings:
| SSR | RUNFLAT (Self-Supporting Runflat Tire) was developed by Continental. The tire has a special rubber booster in the side wall, which takes the weight of the car in case of loss of pressure in the tire. | MFS | MAXIMUM FLANGE SHIELD - The system of the Maximum protection of the rim of the bead protects tires from damage to curbs and sidewalks - a rubber profile located on the lower part of the wall above the rim flange forms a buffer zone. |
| RF | RUNFLAT is a technology that allows your vehicle to continue driving after a puncture or deflation. | RUNONFLAT | RunOnFlat tires, formerly known under the EMT abbreviation, allow you to continue driving with partial or complete loss of pressure. |
Tires for cars of some brands are marked with special symbols:
Other designations.
In addition to the above, there may be other symbols on the sidewall of the tire that carry a lot of useful information:
| TUBE TYPE | Tube construction (mandatory use of the tire together with the tube). | TUBELESS | Tubeless tire design. |
| ML | Tire with rim protector for Mercedes or Audi. | WITH | Reinforced tire. |
| FR | Flange Rotector is a tire with rim protection. | EMT | RUN FLAT by Goodyear. |
| ALL STEEL | Tire with steel-cord breaker and carcass. | REGROOVABLE | Cutting of the tread pattern is allowed. |
| TREADWEAR 380 | The coefficient of wear resistance is determined in relation to the "base tire", for which it is equal to 100. | TRACTION A TEMPERATURE A TREADWEAR 200 | categories of traction, heat resistance and wear resistance according to the classification standards of the US Department of Transportation. |
| TOUS TERRAIN | All season tire. | R + W | Road + Winter - road + winter (universal) tire. |
| RETREAD | Retreaded tire. | RADIAL | Radial tire. |
| TRACTION A | Coefficient of adhesion. Values A, B, C. A-rated tires have the highest grip in their class. | E17 | The tire complies with European standards (the presence of a European certificate of homologation, the number indicates the country). |
| INSIDE or SIDE FACING INWARDS | The inner side of the tire installation with an asymmetric tread pattern (with this inscription inward). | OUTSIDE or SIDE FACING OUT | The outer side of the tire installation with an asymmetric tread pattern (with this inscription outward). |
| PLIES: TREAD | Composition of the tire tread layer. | SIDEWALL | Tire sidewall layer composition. |
| MAX LOAD | MAX PRESSURE | Maximum tire inflation pressure, KPa and PSI. | |
| RIGHT | An asymmetric tire that fits on the right side of the vehicle. | LEFT | An asymmetric tire that fits on the left side of the vehicle. |
| ROTATION | Direction of rotation of a tire with a directional tread pattern (with an arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicating the direction of rotation of the tire). | DA (stamp) | Minor manufacturing defects not interfering with normal operation. There may also be an additional speed limit stamp, for example, not exceeding 140 km / h. |
| TEMPERATURE A | Temperature regime... An indicator characterizing the ability of a tire to withstand temperature influences. It is divided into three categories - A, B and C. | M + S (mud and snow), Winter (winter), Rain (rain), Water or Aqua (water), All Season | Tires designed for use in specific weather conditions. |
| TWI D | Projector wear indicator pointer. The indicator itself is a protrusion at the bottom of the tread groove. When the tread wears down to the level of this lug, it's time to replace the tire. | DOT | Tire Certification in accordance with the requirements of the US Department of Transportation. Includes several codes and contains information about the tire manufacturer, design and size. |
| MADE IN ***** | Country of origin of the tire. | Stud * | Thorns. |
* - abbreviation OD, DD, MD, AD, thorn. - means that the tires are studded with an oval stud (OD), a diamond stud (DD), a plastic stud (MD), or a cylindrical aluminum stud with a carbide core (AD, stud.)
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) special testing method has been adopted by the Rubber Association of Canada and the Rubber Manufacturers Association. This test evaluates the tires in real-life snow conditions. After much debate and discussion, all tire manufacturers agreed to accept this ASTM-proposed standard, along with a special snowflake symbol against a mountain backdrop. The adoption of the new standard was announced in February 1999.
These markings are not applied to the tire sidewall! This information is used by manufacturers in the name of tires.
| BCS | BLACK CIRCUMFERENCIAL SERRATION | Black peripheral teeth. | BL | BLACK LETTERS | Black marks. |
| BSL | BLACK SERRATED LETTERS | Black jagged signs. | BSB | BROKEN SERRATED BAND | Discontinuous serrated strip. |
| ENWL | EXTRA NARROW WHITE LETTERS | Very narrow white marks. | ROBL | RAISED OUTLINED BLACK LETTERS | Embossed outlined black markings. |
| OWL | OUTLINED WHITE LETTERS | Outlined white signs. | OBL | OUTLINED BLACK LETTERS | Outlined black marks. |
| OGL | OUTLINED GOLD LETTERS | Outlined gold signs. | ORBL | OUTLINED RAISED BLACK LETTERS | Outlined embossed black marks. |
| ORWL | OUTLINED RAISED WHITE LETTERS | Outlined embossed white marks. | OWL | OUTLINED WHITE LETTERS | Outlined white signs. |
| RBL | RAISED BLACK LETTERS | Embossed black signs. | RWL | RAISED WHITE LETTERS | Embossed white signs. |
| RRBL | RECESSED RAISED BLACK LETTERS | Recessed raised black marks. | SBL | SERRATED BLACK LETTERS | Jagged black marks. |
| SRBL | SERRATED RAISED BLACK LETTERS | Jagged embossed black marks. | SOWL | SLANTED OUTLINED WHITE LETTERS | Oblique outlined white signs. |
| SVSB | SLANTED VERTICAL SERRATED BAND | Vertically inclined toothed strip. | VSB | VERTICAL SERRATED BAND | Vertical toothed strip. |
| WL | WHITE LETTERS | White signs. | Ws | WHITE STRIPE | White stripe. |
In addition to the name of the manufacturer, brand, tire model and its standard size on the sidewalls car tire the following additional markers may be specified:
| Designation | Description |
|---|---|
| # | Continental designation. Tire tread version for original equipment → Find Continental tires |
| Snowflake pictogram - the tire is designed for use in harsh winter conditions → Pick up winter tires | |
| ACUST (Acoustic) | Michelin designation. The tire is manufactured using proprietary noise reduction technology in the vehicle interior. |
| AS All Season | All-season tire → Find all season tires |
| Aquatred Aquacontact Rain Water Aqua | Designation option: the "umbrella" icon. Special "rain" tire. Manufacturers use different designations. |
| AW Any Weather | The tire is designed for use in all weather conditions. |
| C | (Commercial) - the index after the diameter designation determines that the tire is intended for light trucks and vans → Find tires for commercial vehicles |
| CMS | Construction Mining Service Tires |
| ContiSeal Cs |
proprietary ContiSeal technology, which prevents pressure loss during puncture or cut by using a viscous material on the inner surface of the tire. → Find tires with ContiSeal technology |
| ContiSilent | Continental designation. The tire is made using the proprietary ContiSilent technology to reduce the noise level in the car. → Find tires with ContiSilent technology |
| DOT | American quality standard designation (Department of Transportation). |
| E | Continental designation. The tire is optimized for rolling resistance for original equipment. |
| E n | The letter E and the number in the "circle" - the tire complies with the European ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) requirements. Number n- country code. The numerical approval number is usually indicated below this symbol. |
| FB | Flat Base - a tire without a protective belt (without rim protection). |
| FR MFS CPJ | - tire with rim protection. Some manufacturers use, along with the designation FR(Flange Protector) or instead, other special designations. For instance, MFS(Maximum Flange Sheild) for Goodyear tires. Continental uses labeling ML for tires with rim protectors, homologated for installation on Mercedes cars or Audi. Michelin uses the CPJ mark for tires in the American market. → Find tires with rim protection |
| G3 | Continental designation. Tire tread with only 3 grooves. |
| G4 | Continental designation. Tire tread with only 4 grooves. |
| Inside | Side facing inwards... Marker on the inside of an asymmetric tire. |
| L | (Low Section Tire) - designation of a low-profile tire (indicated instead of a digital designation of a tire profile) |
| LT | (Light Truck) - designation of a tire designed for light trucks and minibuses (analogue C, mainly used for USA and Canada) |
| M + S M&S | Mud + Snow - "mud plus snow" - the tire is designed for heavy operating conditions. Used to mark both winter tires and SUV and all-season tires. The M + S mark is not a winter tire. |
| Max Load | Maximum permissible load on each wheel of the vehicle, in kg. |
| Max Pressure | Maximum allowable tire pressure, in kPa. |
| Outside | Side facing out... Marker on the outside of the asymmetrical tire. |
| OWL RWL ROWL | Outline / Raised While Letters - sidewall lettering in contoured or embossed white lettering. |
| Radial | Radial tire. |
| RBL | Raised Black Letters - Sidewall lettering in raised black lettering. |
| RF Reinforced | Reinforced tire, has an increased load index. Letter WITH at the end of the size (after the diameter) denotes a reinforced light truck tire. |
| Rotation | Analog: "arrow" (direction indicator). Marking the main direction of rotation of the tire. |
| Run flat RFT SSR ROF RunOnFlat Flat run ZP XRP DSST HRS |
A marker of a technology that allows the tire to operate in the event of a loss of internal pressure due to puncture or cut (RunFlat System Component). Manufacturers use different designations for RSC technology. For example, Michelin uses ZP (Zero Pressure Technology), Continental - SSR, Nokian - Flat Run, Goodyear - ROF or RunOnFlat, Bridgestone - RFT, Dunlop - DSST, Kumho - XRP (eXtended Runflat Performance), Hankook - HRS (Hankook Runflat System). Technological methods used by manufacturers to implement the "anti-puncture" system can also be different. There are generally accepted designations for individual manufacturers: RSC (RunFlat System Component) - for all Run Flat tires installed on BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce cars; MOE (Mercedes Original Extended) - for Mercedes-Benz vehicles; AOE (Audi Original Extended) - for Audi cars. In addition, combinations of designations of "anti-puncture" tires may be used in the tire designation (for example, ZP MOE - Michelin tires with Zero Pressure technology for Mercedes cars; SSR MOE - Continental tires with SSR technology for Mercedes cars, etc.). → Find RunFlat tires |
| SAG | Super All Grip is an all-terrain tire. |
| SC | Continental designation. The tire is made of a special soft compound. |
| SEAL SLFS (SelfSeal) SealInside |
The tire is made using SEAL technology, which prevents pressure loss during puncture or cut by using a viscous material on the inner surface of the tire. SelfSeal - Michelin's proprietary technology for sealing punctures due to a special viscous layer, including natural rubber, located in the inner cavity of the tire. → Find tires with SelfSeal technology SealInside (Seal Inside) is a proprietary Pirelli technology that allows you to continue driving without reducing air pressure even after a puncture with a foreign object. |
| Steel | There is a metal cord in the tire construction. |
| SUV | Sport Utility Vehicles is a tire for sport crossovers and SUVs. This is often the way to mark a tire for heavy four-wheel drive vehicles. → Find SUV tires |
| Temperature Index | A, V, WITH- temperature index, heat resistance of rubber at high speeds on a test bench (A is the best indicator). Used mainly in American markings. |
| Traction Index | A, V, WITH- grip index, tire braking ability on a wet road surface. Used mainly in American markings. |
| Treadwear Index | Endurance Index, the relative expected mileage compared to a specific US standard test. Used mainly in American markings. |
| Tubeless TL | Tubeless tire. |
| Tube type TT | The tire is operated only with a tube. |
| TWI | Location indicators for wear indicators, may be marked with an arrow. |
| XL Extra Load |
Reinforced tire, load index higher than conventional tires of the same size → Pick up reinforced tires |
| date | Four digits in the "oval" - date of manufacture tires. The first two digits indicate the week of manufacture from the beginning of the year, the last two - the year of manufacture. |
| thorn type | AD- the tire is studded with an aluminum spike; BD- the tire is studded with a Diamond Plus stud (Continental marking); DD- the tire is studded with a spike with a rectangular core with a diamond edge; HD- the tire is studded in accordance with the new European rules (Continental marking); MD- the tire is studded with a plastic spike with a carbide core; OD- the tire is studded with a spike with an oval core; SD- the tire is studded with a spike with a carbide core. |
Colored markings on the tire
Yellow marker on the tire sidewall (circle or triangle) defines the position of the lightest spot on the tire. Alignment with the heaviest place on the disc (usually this is the place where the nipple is attached) during installation new tire improves wheel balancing.
Red marker on the tire sidewall (circle or triangle) defines the place of the maximum force inhomogeneity. Such a mark is applied, as a rule, to car tires of the original (factory) configuration of the car.
Colored longitudinal lines applied to the tread are used solely to facilitate identification of the tire model (for example, in warehouse storage conditions).
Digital stamp(usually white, in the center of a circle or triangle) on car tire is the personal marker of the inspector who carried out the final inspection of the tire at the factory.
Automotive tire markings
Some tires are labeled with an alphanumeric code indicating some features in the context of their use for installation on vehicles specific manufacturers or brands. Tires with these special markings differ from the standard of their model. Their characteristics are optimized for maximum performance on target vehicles.
When describing tires that have a special marking of the automaker, they often say "the tire is homologated" (from the English omologation technical characteristics and parameters in accordance with the requirements of standards or requests). It is not uncommon for leading car manufacturers to homologate specific tire models for their vehicles, including those for initial fittings. The homologation marker, in addition to the target indication, speaks of high quality tires, since in the process of improving tires undergo serious tests for compliance with international standards and the standards of the automaker.
Some specific markings from car manufacturers restrict the use of tires for a particular vehicle, others indicate general technical features use. For a correct understanding of the special marking, it is worth contacting specialists before buying. The following table provides an explanation of the most common symbols.
| Additional marking | Manufacturer, model car | Comments (1) | Ability to install tires WITHOUT additional marking on cars of this manufacturer | Possibility of installing tires With additional marking on cars of other car manufacturers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| * | BMW, Mini | Find tires with BMW homologation |
Yes, | |
| * BM1 | Bmw x5 | Recommended for installation on BMW X5 | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| * BMW M M3 | Bmw m (M3, Z4M, M5, M6) |
For cars Bmw series M and Z. |
Not recommended | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| A | Toyota Auris |
All new cars have special tire markings. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| AO AO1 AOE | Audi | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. AOE - for marking Runflat tires. |
Yes | Yes |
| AR | Alfa romeo | Some newer vehicles have special tire markings. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| B | Bentley Continental gt |
Michelin markings. For Bentley Continental GT only. |
Not recommended | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| C1 | Chrysler viper | Michelin markings. All new cars have special tire markings. |
Not recommended | Not recommended |
| DT DT1 DT2 | Everything | All new cars have special tire markings. Michelin mark for tires with modified tread pattern. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| F | Ferrari | Pirelli mark. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| G1 | Everything | All new cars have special tire markings. Michelin mark for specific tire dimensions with modified geometry. It is imperative to use the same tires on the same axle. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| J J1 JRS JLR | Jaguar | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. The JLR designation uses Michelin for tires homologated for Jaguar and Land rover. Find tires with Jaguar homologation |
Yes | Yes |
| K1 K2 | Ferrari | Michelin markings. All new cars have special tire markings. It is obligatory to use 4 tires due to the specificity of these cars. Find tires with Ferrari homologation * Y Pirelli markings K1, KA, K ... is an internal designation for individual versions, while it is recommended to install tires of the same type on one axle. |
Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Not recommended |
| LR | Land rover | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. Find tires with Land Rover homologation |
Yes | Yes |
| MC MC1 | McLaren | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| MO | Mercedes | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| MO1 | Mercedes AMG |
Michelin markings. Installation of 4 tires is recommended. Find tires with Mercedes homologation |
Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| MOE MOExtended ME | Mercedes | Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Pirelli, etc. Run-flat tires for Mercedes vehicles. |
Yes | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. Not recommended for use on vehicles without pressure monitoring system. |
| MOS MO-S | Mercedes | For tires with Silent technology. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
||
| MOV MO-V | Mercedes | For marking tires specially for Merecedes Van. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
||
| MGT | Maserati | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. Find tires with Maserati homologation |
||
| N0 N1 N2 N3 N4 ND0 NA0 NF0 | Porsche | All new cars have special tire markings. It is obligatory to use 4 tires due to the specificity of these cars. Find tires with Porsche homologation |
Not recommended (except Porsche 911 (type 991) / Boxster / Cayman (type 981) | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| POL | Volvo Polestar | For Volvo cars Polestar. | Installation of 4 tires is recommended. | Installation of 4 tires is recommended. |
| RO1 | Audi Quattro, RS6, RS4, R8 ... | For Audi RS series vehicles. Installation of 4 tires is recommended. Find tires with Audi homologation |
Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| RP | Everything | All new cars have special tire markings. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| S1 | Everything | Special Michelin mark for low rolling resistance tires. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| T0 T1 | Tesla | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. |
| TPC | Cadillac ATS-V | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. | Yes, 4 tires are recommended. | Not recommended. |
| V1 | all | The markings are most commonly found on Goodyear tires. Indicates a new rubber compound with improved performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| VO | Volkswagen Tuareg | For 255 / 60R17 106V. Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. |
Yes | Yes |
| VOL | Volvo | Fitting tires with this mark is recommended for optimum performance. Find tires with Volvo homologation |
The sidewall of any tire is a place with a large number of markings and inscriptions incomprehensible to a simple user. Despite their abundance, you need to understand that each of the marks carries certain information, often critically important. What's happened M + S or "snowfields" icon? Why is there an “outside” or “inside” lettering on the sidewall? What do Continental or Michelin brand markers mean? Which tires are homologated (OE) for Audi, Mercedes, Porsche and BMW? All this can be found in this article.
Let's start with a simple one, namely the size of the tire. Let's take a look at the following popular size:
195/65 R 15 91 T
- 195 - tire profile width in mm. It is important to understand: the width of the tread is not measured across the width of the pattern (treadmill), but over the entire width of the tread band, which, as a rule, is bent towards the sidewall. Hence, by the way, a large number of calls to dealers with claims about the difference between the declared size and the actual width. Most drivers are unaware of this “feature” of metering.
- 65 - the ratio of the height of the profile to the width, measured in%. If this indicator is absent in the lateral zone of the wheel (for example, the size looks like 185 / R14C), this means that the rubber is full-profile with a profile height of 80-82%.
- R - designation of the radial structure of the tire cord. At the moment, 99.9% of all tires produced are radial. Many people mistakenly call this indicator the radius.
- 15 - inner diameter of the tire. Should match that of the car's disk.
- 91 - load index. Indicates the level of permissible load on one wheel. For example, 91 = 670 kg per tire. It is important to understand that the lifting capacity index is quite important, since in the same size the same model can have a different design, different weight.
- T - speed index. Parameter means speed mode, in which the rubber guarantees the usual level of performance. Speed index T = 190 km / h. However, this does not mean that this rubber cannot be driven over 190 km / h. It is not recommended to constantly drive over 190 km / h.
American tire markings
Let's take the following standard size:
31x10.5 R15
- 31 is the outer diameter of the tire in inches.
- 10.5 is the width of the tire in inches.
- R - a tire of radial design, similar to the European system.
- 15 - inner diameter of the tire in inches.
As you can see, the Americans approached the issue more practically, without bothering drivers to calculate percentages, etc. However, in the United States, you can also find tires with European markings.
What is M + S and 3PMSF
M + S(Mud and Snow) is a special marking on the sidewall of a car tire that has high performance on a snow cover. But this does not automatically mean that the tires are winter or all-season.
3PMSF- a snowflake against the background of three peaks. Indicates high performance on snowy road surfaces. This marking is on each winter tire and a real all-season.
Additional markers
|
Designation |
Mark value |
| # |
OE markings from Continental. |
|
(Acoustic) |
Michelin designation. The tire is created using proprietary technology to reduce noise in the car interior. |
|
All Season |
An all-season tire does not always objectively mean an all-season tire. Often a common marketing ploy. |
|
Aquatred Aquacontact |
Special "rain" tire. Manufacturers use a variety of markers, including an umbrella (Uniroyal). |
| AW
Any Weather |
All-weather tire. |
| C |
(Commercial) - the index after the designation of the diameter, determines that the tire is intended for light trucks and vans. |
|
ContiSeal |
Continental markings. The tire is made using the proprietary ContiSeal technology, which prevents pressure loss during puncture or cut by using a viscous material on the inner surface of the tire. |
| ContiSilent |
Continental markings. The tire is made using the proprietary ContiSilent technology to reduce the noise level in the car. |
| DOT |
American quality standard designation indicating that a tire has passed Department of Transportation tests. |
| E |
Continental designation. The tire is optimized for rolling resistance for original equipment. |
| E n |
The letter E and the number in the "circle" - the tire complies with the European ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) requirements. Number n- country code. The numerical approval number is usually indicated below this symbol. |
| FB |
Flat Base - a tire without a protective belt (without rim protection). |
|
Tire with rim protection. Some manufacturers use, along with the designation FR(Flange Protector) or instead, other special designations. For instance, MFS(Maximum Flange Sheild) for Goodyear tires. Continental uses labeling ML for tires with rim protectors, homologated for installation on Mercedes or Audi vehicles. Michelin uses the CPJ mark for tires in the American market. |
|
| G3 |
Tire tread with only 3 grooves (Continental). |
| G4 |
Tire tread with only 4 grooves (Continental). |
| Inside / Outside |
Marker for the inner / outer side of the asymmetric tire. |
| L |
(Low Section Tire) - designation of a low-profile tire (indicated instead of a digital designation of a tire profile). |
| LT |
(Light Truck) - designation of a tire designed for light trucks and minibuses (analogue C, mainly used for the USA and Canada). |
| Max Load |
Permissible load for each wheel of the car, in kg. |
| Max Pressure |
Permissible tire pressure, in kPa. |
|
Outline / Raised While Letters - the sidewall inscriptions are contoured ( OWT) or in embossed white letters. |
|
| Radial |
Tire with radial cord construction. |
| RBL |
Raised Black Letters - Sidewall lettering in raised black lettering. |
|
Reinforced |
Reinforced tire, has an increased load index. The difference with the "ceshka" is that the "C" has two more wireframe layers than the RF. |
| Rotation |
Direction of rotation marking. Marking with a special arrow is also possible. |
|
Run flat RunOnFlat |
A marker of a technology that allows the tire to operate in the event of a loss of internal pressure due to puncture or cut (RunFlat System Component). Manufacturers use different designations for RSC technology. For example, Michelin uses ZP (Zero Pressure Technology), Continental - SSR, Nokian - Run Flat, Goodyear - ROF or RunOnFlat, Bridgestone - RFT, Dunlop - DSST, Kumho - XRP (eXtended Runflat Performance). Technological methods used by manufacturers to implement the "anti-puncture" system can also be different. In addition, combinations of the designations of "puncture-proof" tires with other special markers are possible. For example, ZP MOE - Michelin tires with Zero Pressure technology for Mercedes cars. |
| SAG |
Super All Grip is an all-terrain tire. |
| SC |
The tire is made of a special soft compound (Continental). |
|
SLFS (SelfSeal) SealInside |
The tire is made using SEAL technology, which prevents pressure loss during puncture or cut by using a viscous material on the inner surface of the tire. SelfSeal - Michelin, SealInside (Seal Inside) - Pirelli proprietary technology. |
| Steel |
There is a metal cord in the tire construction. |
| SUV |
Sport Utility Vehicles is a tire for sport crossovers and SUVs. This is often the way to mark a tire for heavy four-wheel drive vehicles. |
| Temperature Index |
A, V, WITH- temperature index, heat resistance of rubber at high speeds on a test bench (A is the best indicator). |
| Traction Index |
A, V, WITH- grip index, tire braking ability on a wet road surface. |
| Treadwear Index |
Endurance index, relative expected mileage. |
|
Tubeless |
Tubeless tire. |
|
Tube type |
Exclusively tubular tire. |
| TWI |
Location indicators for wear indicators. |
| XL or Extra Load |
Reinforced tire, load index is higher than that of conventional tires of the same size by 3-4 load index units. |
| date |
Four digits in the "oval" - date of manufacture tires. The first two digits indicate the week of production, the last two indicate the year of manufacture. |
| thorn type |
AD- aluminum spike; BD- Spike "Diamond Plus" (Continental marking); DD- a spike with a rectangular core with a diamond edge; HD- rubber studded in accordance with the new European rules (Continental marking); MD- plastic spike with a carbide core; OD- a spike with an oval core; SD- spike with a carbide core. |
| Ply rate, a parameter that characterizes the strength of the tire carcass. The actual number of cord plies may differ from that indicated on the sidewall... Have passenger car tires most often there are 4 or 6 conventional layers, for light trucks - 6 or 8. With the increase in the number of layers, the stiffness of the tire also increases. |
Tires approved for certain car brands or models (does not mean that other cars will not fit!)
(*) - Tires - approved for BMW
(A) - Renault - Espace IV 18 ""
(AR) - Alfa - Romeo
(ARR) - Alfa - Romeo - Racing
(AZ) - Alfa - Romeo / Fiat / Subaru / Toyota
(BL) - (CZ) - Subaru
(DZ) - Honda / Mazda / Toyota
(EZ) - Audi / Mazda 6
(JZ) - Seat / Subaru
(KZ) - Nissan / Toyota
(MZ) - Mitsubishi / Toyota
(PZ) - Ford / Mazda / Mercedes / VW
(SZ) - Mazda - MPV
(TZ) - Mazda - 6
(UZ) - Selected as OE on BMW 3 / Skoda
A2A - Aston - Martin
A4A - Aston - Martin
AM4 - Aston - Martin
AM6 - Aston - Martin
AM8 - Aston - Martin
AM9 - Selected OE on the Aston Martin Db9 Volante VA V8
AML - Aston Martin
AMP - Aston Martin
AMR - Aston Martin
AMS - Aston Martin
AMV - Aston Martin
AMX - Aston Martin
Alfa Romeo - Alfa Romeo
C1 - Chrysler - Viper
Ferrari - Ferrari
Ferrari - Maserati - Ferrari / Maserati
LR - Land - Rover
LRO - Land - Rover
LTS - Lotus Elise
LTS - 2 - Lotus Elise 2
Lamborghini - Lamborghini
MO1 - Mercedes SL65 AMG
MOExtended - Mercedes Extended (Runflat)
R01 - Audi quattro, RS4, RS6, R8
R02 - Audi Quattro, RS4, RS6, R8
Some tire models have an additional sidewall element located in the bead area called a rim guard. It can be made in the form of a protruding rubber band or a special seal in the same area.
The purpose of these technical solutions is to protect the disc rim from contact with, for example, curb stones during a parking maneuver, since such contacts can lead to chips, abrasions and other surface damage to the disc.
Sports image
In addition to the function of reducing the negative impact of foreign objects on the rim, the rim protection has an aesthetic effect, giving the visual combination of tire and rim a sportier image.
At the moment, the rim protection is an independent element of the tire, which does not have a generally accepted marking on the tire and / or in the designation of the tire article number. In this regard, a number of manufacturers add their own markings indicating the availability of rim protection, while other manufacturers do not indicate this at all. There are several approaches, guided by which, tire manufacturers apply rim protection on tires:
- Applies to a specific model, for all sizes that are available
- It is used for certain sizes, selected by geometric characteristics (for example, for low-profile sizes)
- It is used for certain sizes, selected for image characteristics (for example, for sizes supplied for the original equipment of sports cars)
Consultation needed
Due to the variety of approaches to the formation of a tire offer equipped with a rim protection, as well as the lack of a single marking, it is necessary to consult (or contact the tire manufacturer for clarification) if it is necessary to choose a tire with this protective element.
For example, the MICHELIN company applies rim protection for sports models:,.
Attention! The rim protection is an independent structural element of the tire sidewall; it is not required for use on tires made using the technology of self-supporting tires, as well as on tires with increased bearing capacity.
