What is written on the side of a tyre

The sidewall of a tyre contains a wealth of information on its construction and properties. In the illustration below, the different types of information/properties are indicated by numbers. These parts are described below.

1. Tyre size
   215 = tyre width in mm
   /45 = aspect ratio in % R = radial construction in mm
   R = Radial construction
   17 = Bead or rim diameter in inches
   91 = Load capacity index
   V = Speed symbol (speed index)
   XL = Use code to indicate that the tyre is stronger than other tyres in the same size.
   The symbol replaces the reinforced marking.
2. Manufacturer or brand name
3. Profile or Tyre Type
4. Radial tyre
5. Tubeless construction
6. M+S (Mud and Snow). In addition to M+S, many tyres also carry the snowflake symbol (but this is not obligatory).
7. Date of manufacture (41st week 2008)
8. E-Certificate number
9. Country of Origin
10. DOT (Department of Transport)
11. DOT factory code
12. Regulation of the maximum inflation pressure and the corresponding tyre load (valid in USA)
13. Indication of the actual number of layers and the material used for them
14. TWI (Tread Wear Indicators) Indication of the position of the tread wear indicators

Source: VACO