On the sidewall of the tires, there is an engraving with information that can be very useful when you need to change tires. Besides the brand and the model of the tire, you can also read some numbers and letters that are going to tell you the following information:- Tire size
- Tire rim
- Speed rating (maximum it can withstand)
- Tire load index (maximum weight it can carry)
- Manufacturing date
- Rotation direction or wheel mounting position
- If you can use them in mud and/or snow
- If you can use them properly in winter
It is expressed in a four-digit number. The first two digits state the week of the year, while the other two digits state the year. It is not advisable to use tires that were manufactured more than five years before the moment of your purchase.
The rotation direction is indicated by arrows that show said direction. This can be seen in asymmetric tires. It is important to follow these instructions because, otherwise, these tires will not have their correct adhering capabilities.
The wheel mounting position is the one indicated with the words “inside” or “outside,” depending on whether that side of the tire should face the inside or the outside, respectively.
It indicates that the tires can be used to drive in mud (M) and snow (S). Their patterns are deeper and more open than those of tires meant to be used in normal pavement. In this case, it also indicates that these tires can be used in winter thanks to the symbol found on the right side of these letters.
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