What do the markings on my Ford tires mean?

Learn how to read tire sidewall markings, including tire size, aspect ratio, load index, speed rating, and date of manufacture.

Tire Sidewall Marking	Example Marking	What it means
Tire size		In the example, the tire size is 235/55R17. This means: 235 is the tire’s nominal width in millimetres, measured from sidewall to sidewall. 55 is the aspect ratio. The tire’s section height is 55% of its nominal width. R means the tire has radial construction. 17 is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
Load index and speed rating		In the example, the sidewall marking is 99H. This means: 99 is the load index, a code that corresponds to the tire’s maximum load capacity when properly inflated. A load index of 99 corresponds to 775 kg. H is the speed rating, which indicates the tire’s maximum speed capability under specified conditions. Speed ratings use letter codes; ask your Ford Dealer for more information.
Date of manufacture		Look for the DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the tire sidewall. For tires made since 2000, the last four digits of the TIN indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, 3616 means the tire was made in the 36th week of 2016. The full TIN, including the date code, may appear on only one sidewall, so you may need to check both sides of the tire.

Tire Sidewall Marking

Example Marking

What it means

Tire size

In the example, the tire size is 235/55R17. This means:

235 is the tire’s nominal width in millimetres, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
55 is the aspect ratio. The tire’s section height is 55% of its nominal width.
R means the tire has radial construction.
17 is the wheel rim diameter in inches.

Load index and speed rating

In the example, the sidewall marking is 99H. This means:

99 is the load index, a code that corresponds to the tire’s maximum load capacity when properly inflated. A load index of 99 corresponds to 775 kg.
H is the speed rating, which indicates the tire’s maximum speed capability under specified conditions. Speed ratings use letter codes; ask your Ford Dealer for more information.

Date of manufacture

Look for the DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) on the tire sidewall. For tires made since 2000, the last four digits of the TIN indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, 3616 means the tire was made in the 36th week of 2016. The full TIN, including the date code, may appear on only one sidewall, so you may need to check both sides of the tire.

Additional information

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