Kia Sportage: Tyre sidewall labelling

The markings on a Kia Sportage tyre sidewall identify its key characteristics and specifications. They also include the Tyre Identification Number (TIN), which can be used to identify the tyre if it is involved in a safety recall.

1. Manufacturer or brand name

This marking identifies the tyre’s manufacturer or brand.

2. Tyre size designation

The tyre size designation is printed on the sidewall and provides the information needed when selecting replacement tyres for your vehicle. The example below explains what each letter and number represents.

Example tyre size designation:

The figures are for illustration only. The size fitted to your Kia Sportage may differ.

P235/55R19 108T

235 — Tyre width in millimetres.

55 — Aspect ratio, expressed as the tyre’s section height as a percentage of its width.

R — Tyre construction code, indicating radial construction.

19 — Rim diameter in inches.

108 — Load index, a numerical code corresponding to the maximum load the tyre can carry.

T — Speed rating symbol. Refer to the speed rating table below for the corresponding maximum speed.

Tyre speed ratings

The table lists several speed ratings used for passenger-car tyres. The speed rating symbol appears in the tyre size designation on the sidewall and indicates the tyre’s designed maximum safe operating speed.

Wheel size designation

Wheels carry size markings that are useful when selecting a replacement. The example below explains the figures and letter in a wheel size designation.

Example wheel size designation:

7.5JX19

7.5 — Rim width in inches.

J — Rim contour designation.

19 — Rim diameter in inches.

3. Checking tyre life (TIN: Tyre Identification Number)

Tyres more than six years old, based on their manufacturing date, should be replaced with new ones. The manufacturing date is shown in the DOT code on the tyre sidewall. It is identified by the final four digits of that code.

DOT: XXXX XXXX OOOO

The first part of the DOT code identifies the plant, tyre size and tread pattern. The final four digits show the week and year of manufacture.

For example, DOT XXXX XXXX 1626 indicates that the tyre was made in the 16th week of 2026.

Warning

Tyre age

Tyres deteriorate over time, even when they are not in use. Regardless of the remaining tread, tyres should be replaced after approximately six years of normal service. High temperatures and frequent heavy loading can accelerate tyre ageing. Ignoring this guidance may result in sudden tyre failure, loss of vehicle control and an accident causing serious injury or death.

4. Tyre ply composition and materials

This information states the number of rubber-coated fabric layers, or plies, in the tyre and identifies the materials used, which may include steel, nylon, polyester and other materials. The letter R indicates radial-ply construction, D indicates diagonal or bias-ply construction, and B indicates belted-bias-ply construction.

5. Maximum permissible inflation pressure

This figure is the highest inflation pressure that should be used for the tyre. Do not exceed it. Refer to the vehicle’s tyre specification and pressure label for the recommended pressure for your Kia Sportage.

6. Maximum load rating

This figure indicates the maximum load the tyre can carry, shown in kilograms and pounds. When replacing a tyre, choose one with at least the same load rating as the tyre originally fitted to the vehicle.

7. Uniform tyre quality grading

Where applicable, quality grades are moulded into the tyre sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width.

Example:

TREADWEAR 200

TRACTION AA

TEMPERATURE A

Warning

• The traction grade is based on straight-ahead braking tests. It does not measure acceleration, cornering, resistance to hydroplaning or peak traction performance.

• The temperature grade is assigned to a tyre that is correctly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation or overloading—whether occurring separately or together—can cause heat to build up in the tyre and lead to sudden failure. This may result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death.

Tread wear

The tread wear grade compares a tyre’s wear rate with that of other tyres under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tyre graded 150 would wear one and a half times as well on that course as a tyre graded 100.

Actual tyre life and wear depend on how the tyres are used. Driving habits, maintenance practices, road surfaces and climate can all cause real-world results to differ significantly from the test comparison.

These grades are moulded into the sidewalls of passenger-vehicle tyres. The grades of the tyres supplied as standard or optional equipment for your vehicle may vary.

Traction — AA, A, B and C

Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C. They indicate a tyre’s ability to stop on wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces made of asphalt and concrete. A tyre marked C may have poor traction performance.

Temperature — A, B and C

Temperature grades are A, B and C, with A representing the highest rating. They indicate the tyre’s resistance to heat generation and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Prolonged high temperatures can cause tyre materials to deteriorate and shorten tyre life; excessive heat may lead to sudden tyre failure. Grades B and A indicate higher performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

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