Ford 2004 Sable Owner's Manual page 209

time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure. The tires
on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load and inflation
pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted for the difference
in conditions. The ratings range from 159 km/h (99 mph) to 299 km/h
(186 mph). These ratings are listed in the following chart.
Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
Letter rating
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
W
Y
Note: For tires with a maximum speed capability over 240 km/h (149
mph), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with
a maximum speed capability over 299 km/h (186 mph), tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
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, the next two are the tire size code and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example,
the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers
go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The
numbers in between are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's
discretion. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
9. M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow. or
AT: All Terrain. or
AS: All Season.
10. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of
plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and
sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the
tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
2004 Sable (sab)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Speed rating - km/h (mph)
159 km/h (99 mph)
171 km/h (106 mph)
180 km/h (112 mph)
190 km/h (118 mph)
200 km/h (124 mph)
210 km/h (130 mph)
240 km/h (149 mph)
270 km/h (168 mph)
299 km/h (186 mph)
209