Lincoln 2013 MKZ Owner's Manual page 310

Information Contained on the
Tire Sidewall
Both U.S. and Canada Federal
regulations require tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on
the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT
Tire Identification Number for safety
standard certification and in case of
a recall.
Information on P Type Tires
C D
B
A
M
L
K
E142543
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a
tire size, load index and speed rating.
The definitions of these items are
listed below. (Note that the tire size,
load index and speed rating for your
vehicle may be different from this
example.)
Wheels and Tires
E
F
G
H
I
J
A. P: Indicates a tire, designated by
the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA),
that may be used for service on cars,
SUVs, minivans and light trucks. Note:
If your tire size does not begin with a
letter this may mean it is designated
by either ETRTO (European Tire and
Rim Technical Organization) or
JATMA (Japan Tire Manufacturing
Association).
B. 215: Indicates the nominal width of
the tire in millimeters from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge. In general, the
larger the number, the wider the tire.
C. 65: Indicates the aspect ratio which
gives the tire's ratio of height to width.
D. R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E. 15: Indicates the wheel or rim
diameter in inches. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to purchase
new tires to match the new wheel
diameter.
F. 95: Indicates the tire's load index.
It is an index that relates to how much
weight a tire can carry. You may find
this information in your owner's
manual. If not, contact a local tire
dealer.
Note: You may not find this
information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
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