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Transport Canada - Road Safety
 
  Riding On Air
  TP 2823 E 
 
Table of contents
Critical safety and environmental information
When was the last time you checked your tires?
Inflating your tires
Inspecting tires for damage and wear
Rotating your tires
Replacing tires
Winter tires
How to read a tire sidewall
Recommended tire pressure
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
Seasonal tire storage
The impact of tires on the environment and our health
Tire safety checklist
Tire safety and Transport Canada
Contacting Transport Canada
Vehicles, fuel efficiency and Natural Resources Canada

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How to Read a Tire Sidewall

Code definitions of the tire sidewall

1 - The peaked mountain with snowflake symbol indicates a snow tire.
2 - M+S (Mud and Snow) indicates an all-season tire.
3 - P stands for passenger vehicle (or you may find L for Light-duty vehicle).
4 - 195 is the width of the tire in millimetres.
5 - 60 is the “aspect ratio” - the ratio of the height of the sidewall to the width, expressed as a percentage.
6 - R means the tire has radial construction.
7 - 15 represents the wheel diameter in inches.
8 - 87 is the load index.
9 - Q is the speed rating.
 
 

The maple leaf symbol is the national tire safety mark of Canada. It means the manufacturer certifies that the tire meets Transport Canada requirements.

The identification number is
the reference number used by
the manufacturer to identify
specific tires.

 

The four digit code identifies the date of fabrication.


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