Load Index - Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Operator's Manual

Tire labeling
316
Further information about reading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop.

Load index

i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
In addition to the load-bearing index, load
index : may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating B(
the sidewall of the tire.
If no specification is given: no text (as in the
R
example above), represents a standard
load (SL) tire
XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
R
tire
Light Load: represents a light load tire
R
C, D, E: represents a load range that
R
depends on the maximum load that the tire
can carry at a certain pressure
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations prescribe that every
manufacturer of new tires or retreader has to
imprint a TIN in or on the sidewall of each tire
produced.
The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables tire manufacturers to inform
purchasers of recalls and other safety-
relevant matters. It makes it possible for the
purchaser to easily identify the affected tires.
The TIN is made up of manufacturer
identification code ;, tire size =, tire type
code ? and manufacturing date A.
i
deviate from the data in the example.
page 314) on
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
Y
symbol : indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code ; provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded
tires have a code with four symbols.
For further information about retreaded tires,
see (
Tire size: identifier = describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code ? can be used
by the manufacturer as a code to describe
specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
A provides information about the age of a
tire. The first and second positions represent
the week of manufacture, starting with "01"
for the first calendar week. Positions three
and four represent the year of manufacture.
For example, a tire that is marked with
"3208", was manufactured in week 32 in
2008.
I n f o r m a t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
page 296).
Y