How and why to photograph your tire sidewall info

I recently received this comment/message/question about tire sidewall info:

A material list on the tire sidewall? I’ve never seen this. It sounds like FDA package list of: flour, corn syrup. Reading black bumps on black might work in ideal lighting, but I have trouble finding the max PSI.

I replied with this:

The list of materials and the max load numbers are easily seen molded on the sidewall of all tires per Federal Regulation for the last 30 years. The US-DOT specified  size, location and content are as seen in the attached examples. These pictures were taken with natural lighting and not even in direct sunlight.

To read letters molded on your tire sidewall, you might find it easier if you get out your phone aka camera and snap a couple of pictures of this important information.

I suggest you wash your tire sidewall with soap and water and snap pictures of three areas with the tire in full sunlight. Here are examples from three different tires:

 1. The complete DOT serial

NOTE: You should confirm all your tires have the same serial number. If not, get a picture of each serial number.

 

 

 2. The tire max load information

 

 3. The tire material list

Note on “Max psi”: You should focus on the “Max Load” and understand that the tire is only rated for that load when the tire is inflated to the stated PSI, and the inflation is checked at ambient temperature. The “Max psi” IS NOT the highest level of inflation a tire can tolerate. Undamaged tires can tolerate much higher PSI when warm from running.

Keep in mind, if you have the tire sidewall info handy in a photo or on your phone, it will be much easier for you than if you have tire problems in the middle of the night and don’t know what tire you need for a replacement.