Fisker Karma 2012 Owner's Handbook Manual page 133

6. Load index
This two or three digit number is the tire's
load index. It is a measurement of how
much weight each tire can support. This
number is not always shown.
7. Speed rating
The speed rating, when stated, denotes the
maximum speed at which the tire should be
used for extended periods. The ratings
range from 99 mph to 186 mph. These
ratings are listed in the following table.
Rating
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
W
Y
8. U.S DOT Tire Identification Number
(TIN)
This begins with the letters DOT and
indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next two numbers or letters
are the plant code where it was
manufactured, and the last four numbers
represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 1710
means the 17th week of 2010. The other
numbers are marketing codes used at the
manufacturer's discretion. This information
can be used to contact consumers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
Speed mph (km/h)
99 (160)
106 (170)
112 (180)
118 (190)
124 (200)
130 (210)
149 (240)
168 (270)
186 (300)
9. Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum inflation pressure for the tire.
This pressure should not be used for normal
driving.
10. Treadwear grade
This number indicates the tire's wear rate.
The higher the treadwear number is, the
longer it should take for the tread to wear
down. A tire rated at 400 for example, will
last twice as long as a tire rated at 200.
11. Traction grade
This letter indicates a tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement. A higher graded tire should
allow you to stop your vehicle on wet roads
in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower
grade.
Traction is graded from highest to lowest as
AA, A, B, and C.
12. Temperature grade
Heat resistance grading. The tires
resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with
A indicating the greatest resistance to heat.
This grading is provided for a correctly
inflated tire, which is being used within its
speed and loading limits.
13. Tire composition and materials
The number of plies in both the tread area,
and the sidewall area, indicates how many
layers of rubber coated material make up
the structure of the tire. Information is also
provided on the type of materials used.
14. Maximum tire load
The maximum load which can be carried by
the tire.
Tire Information
8.15