Chevrolet Silverado Silverado 2500 HD 3500HD 2021 Tire Sidewall Labeling Car Owner Manuals

Tire Sidewall Labeling

Useful information about a tire is molded into the sidewall. The example shows a typical light truck tire sidewall.

Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire

1. Tire Size: The tire size code is a combination of letters and numbers used to define a particular tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and service description. See the “Tire Size” illustration later in this section for more detail.
2. TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria Specification): Original equipment tires designed to GM's specific tire performance criteria have a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
3. Dual Tire Maximum Load: Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load when used in a dual configuration. For information on recommended tire pressure see Tire Pressure and Vehicle Load Limits.
4. DOT (Department of Transportation): Indicates compliance with the U.S. DOT Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
   DOT Tire Date of Manufacture: The last four digits indicate the tire manufactured date: first two digits = week (01-52), last two digits = year (e.g., 0320 = third week of 2020).
5. Tire Identification Number (TIN): Shows the manufacturer, plant code, tire size, and date the tire was manufactured. Molded onto both sides, but only one may have the date.
6. Tire Ply Material: Type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
7. Single Tire Maximum Load: Maximum load and pressure when used as a single. See Tire Pressure and Vehicle Load Limits.

Tire Designations

The examples show a typical light truck tire size.

1. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: Letters "LT" indicate a light truck tire engineered to U.S. Tire and Rim Association standards.
2. Tire Width: 3-digit number indicates tire section width in mm.
3. Aspect Ratio: 2-digit number indicating tire height-to-width ratio. Example: 75 = sidewall is 75% as high as it is wide.
4. Construction Code: "R" = radial ply, "D" = diagonal/bias ply construction.
5. Rim Diameter: Wheel diameter in inches.
6. Load Range: Load range code.
7. Service Description: Load index and speed rating. Two numbers, e.g., 120/116, = single/dual load index. Speed rating = max speed for that load.

Tire Terminology and Definitions

• Air Pressure: Air inside tire pressing outward; expressed in kPa or psi.
• Accessory Weight: Combined weight of optional accessories.
• Aspect Ratio: Tire height to width ratio.
• Belt: Rubber-coated layer of cords between plies and tread.
• Bead: Steel wires wrapped to hold tire on rim.
• Bias Ply Tire: Plies laid at angles < 90° to tread centerline.
• Cold Tire Pressure: Pressure measured before driving.
• Curb Weight: Vehicle weight with standard and optional equipment, fuel, oil, coolant; excludes passengers and cargo.
• DOT Markings: Code indicating DOT compliance, including Tire Identification Number (TIN).
• GVWR, GAWR FRT, GAWR RR: Gross vehicle and axle weight ratings.
• Intended Outboard Sidewall: Side that must face outward on asymmetrical tires.
• Kilopascal (kPa): Metric air pressure unit.
• Load Index, Maximum Inflation Pressure, Maximum Load Rating: Tire load specifications.
• Occupant Distribution, Vehicle Capacity Weight: Weight of occupants and cargo used for tire/load calculations.
• Sidewall, Tread, Traction, Speed Rating: Definitions for tire parts and performance.
• UTQGS: Ratings for traction, temperature, and treadwear.

Tire Pressure

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