Tire concerns: the word "inside" on the tire sidewall
by Blackjack
(Scottsdale, AZ)
Continental CrossContact LX tire
Continental CrossContact LX 225/70R-16. In shopping around I noticed these tires are available as Blackwalls or with Outlined White Letters. The price difference between the two has been just a few dollars at each shop I checked. I ordered and paid for Blackwalls, but I recently noticed the outlined white lettering on the inward side of the tires, and the word INSIDE marked on the outward sidewall.
Apparently the tire dealer just mounted O.W.L. tires backward. Will this make any difference in the performance of the tire?
In some of the literature about the CrossContact LX it says "Its notched outboard shoulder is supported by a circumferential rib to provide enhanced ride comfort, steering response and stability on the road."
EDITORIAL COMMENT:
Editorial Comment: Your tire is an asymmetric design, meaning that one side is different from the other.
The design of the tire, is made to give you specific benefits from the asymmetric design and if you do not have it mounted correctly you will not get the benefits promised and, in addition, could experience some performance or wear issues that are not anticipate.
For a short distance, you likely will not likely suffer any great difficulties, but you have been done a dis-service if you purchased blackwalls and have had these white lettered tires installed backwards.
If you chose the blackwalls solely because they were cheaper, you would do best getting the dealer to flip the tires over and mount them correctly. Since they did not supply the blackwalls you thought you were buying, I would insist that that service be done without any cost.
TG
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Reading Tire Sidewall Markings
by Charles
(USA)
Typical Tire Markings
Some tires have sidewall markings which are different from the rest.
For example, the sidewall of one tire reads: P225/60R17 98S S1 INTEGRITY B03RPTL.
I know the standard markings but what does the S1 and the 98S mean?
Editorial Comment: It's too bad we don't have a photo of the tire in question which shows the markings clearly ... it could help in interpreting the marks.
The 98S poses no problem, it is a standard marking in which the 98 is a maximum weight code, and the "S" is the Speed Rating which the tire is designed for.
The other markings do not seem to be standard markings and depending on where they are placed on the tire and the way they appear, they may be unique to the manufacturer of that particular tire.
There's more detail on our page about Tire Sidewall Markings.
TG
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Light colored ring on tire sidewall
by phillip
(st. augustine, fl)
Light colored ring on tire sidewall
I now have just shy of one thousand miles on 4 new BF Goodrich Comercial T/A tires on my fiver rv. I have not done anything to these tires other than keeping them inflated to a cold pressure of 80psi and covering them when not in use. I have not washed them, driven in rain, applied any dressings, or otherwise.
Today, after returning home from the 3rd trip with these new tires, I was putting on the tire covers and noticed a discoloration ring in the sidewall close to the rim on only on one tire (right side of rv, front axle) and I have not curbed or scuffed them on anything. Plus, it is between the widest part of the tire and the rim so I'm sure it's not a scuff. I know this occured on the 120 mile return trip as I always keep a close watch on my tires - especailly since these are new.
I'm concerned about this since it is only on one tire and the tires are so new. I tow the rv at 70mph on interstate highways, FL heat, and it is not overloaded at all.
Of course, I will contact a local dealer but in the meantime does anyone have any ideas on what this could be.
Editorial Comment: You're wise to have this inspected by a dealer you know and trust. From a photo only it's difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
In spite of what you've said, I'm inclined to suspect that this ring may have been produced by something rubbing against the tire. I've seen a car where a plastic guard piece on the wheel well was damaged and rubbed against the sidewall until it was worn down too but leaving a distinct impression on the tire sidewall.
In your case, it might have been a branch or some other object that somehow became lodged in a position that caused it to rub against the sidewall and later fell or was broken off.
When you have your dealer look at it, you may want to see if there is a similar marking on the interior side wall in about the same position. If you see this, it would be vital to unmount the tire and see if there is any evidence of internal tire damage.
Let us know what the dealer concludes.
TG
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Tire Concerns: non-standard DOT code
DOT Codes
I just got 4 tires on some rims I bought, the DOT# are as follows
DOT UPHH HK9253 F01L
DOT UPHH HK9502 E6R
DOT UPHH HK9183 E4L
DOT UPHH HK9512 C11L
I don't think there are 95 weeks in a year so what gives? If I use just the last 3 numbers they are past year 2000, still doesn't fit, HELP!
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Tire Concerns: UTQG
by Mark
(NB)
UTQG
What is OWRL as in P245/70 R16 OWRL and is there much of a difference in UTQG 720AB v 620AB?
Editorial Comment:
You've asked more than one question in one sentence, so we'll have to charge you double! (Just kidding)
To start with, I'm wondering if you may have mistaken the OWRL and really have OWL on the tire, because I've never run across that exact combination before.
OWL, is common and stands for Outline White Letters on tires.
In relation to cars, however there is an acronym OWRL, which stands for Open Wheel Racing League, and you might find more about it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open-wheel.
The second question has to do with the UTQG, which stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The codes cited --720AB and 620AB-- include Treadwear, Traction and Temperature. The essential difference is in the treadwear part 720 vs 620. Treadwear states the amount of wear that can be expected from a tire compared with a standard tire of 100. So a 720 tire would be expected to last somewhat more than a 620 tire ... based on my reckoning about 16% more life could be expected.
TG
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Editorial Comment:
According to the codes you've provided for these tires:
UP = they were manufactured by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company at their Findlay, Ohio plant.
HH = tire size is P225/75R15
HK9 = Hercules DSR II Steel Belted Radial
253 = week 25, 1993
502 = week 50, 1992
183 = week 18, 1993
512 = week 51, 1992
The rest of the codes do not enter into the DOT code standards and are for internal use which is not required to be made public.
The DOT codes are either 10 or 11 characters long starting after the word DOT. If there are 11 characters the last four tell the week and year --WWYY-- (after 2000), in an 10 digit code the last 3 tell the week (WWY) and last digit of the year in the 1990's.
TG