Get Wheels and tires -> Tire labeling Guide for Mercedes G Class SUV Third Generation (1990-2018)

excessive temperature can lead to sudden

tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level

of performance which all passenger car tires

must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle

Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A

represent higher levels of performance on the

laboratory test wheel than the minimum

required by law.

Tire labeling

Overview of tire labeling

Uniform tire Quality Grading Standard

(Y page 332)

;

DOT tire Identification Number

(Y page 331)

Maximum tire load (Y page 331)

Maximum tire pressures (Y page 318)

Manufacturer

Tire material (Y page 331)

Tire size designation, load-bearing

capacity and speed rating (Y page 328)

Load identification (Y page 330)

Tire name

The markings described above are on the tire

in addition to the tire name (sales

designation) and the manufacturer's name.

Tire data is vehicle-specific and may

deviate from the data in the example.

Tire size designation, load-bearing

capacity and speed rating

WARNING

Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing

capacity and the approved maximum speed

could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.

There is a risk of accident.

Therefore, only use tire types and sizes

approved for your vehicle model. Observe the

tire load rating and speed rating required for

your vehicle.

Tire width

;

Height-width ratio in percentage

Tire code

Rim diameter

Load bearing index

Speed rating

General: depending on the manufacturer's

standards, a letter is imprinted into the tire

wall before the size description.

If there is no letter preceding the size

description (as shown above): these are

passenger vehicle tires according to

European manufacturing standards.

If "P" precedes the size description:

passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.

manufacturing standards.

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Tire labeling

Wheels and tires

If "P" precedes the size description: light

truck tires according to U.S. manufacturing

standards.

If "T" precedes the size description: these are

compact emergency spare wheels at high tire

pressure, to be used only temporarily in an

emergency.

Tire width: tire width : shows the nominal

tire width in millimeters.

Height-width ratio: height-width ratio ; is

the ratio between tire height and tire width.

The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the

tire width by the tire height. The resulting

quotient is given as a percentage.

Tire code: tire code = shows the tire type.

"R" represents radial tires; "D" represents

diagonal tires; "B" represents diagonal radial

tires.

Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of

over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR" in

the size description, depending on the

manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).

Rim diameter: rim diameter ? is the

diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter

of the rim flange. The rim diameter is

specified in inches (in).

Load bearing index: B load bearing index

A (also load index) is a numerical code that

specifies the maximum load-bearing capacity

of a tire.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the

specified load limit. The maximum

permissible load can be found on the

vehicle's Tire and Loading Information

placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side

(Y page 322).

Example:

Load-bearing index 91 indicates a maximum

load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) that the tires can

bear. For further information on the maximum

tire load in kilograms and pounds, see

(Y page 331).

For further information on the load bearing

index, see "Load index" (Y page 330).

Speed rating: speed rating B specifies the

approved maximum speed of the tire.

Tire data is vehicle-specific and may

deviate from the data in the example.

Regardless of the speed rating, always

observe the speed limits. Drive carefully and

adapt your driving style to the traffic

conditions.

Since 2009, tires in Europe which

correspond to the noise limitations of

Directive ECE-R 117 show an >>S<<

(Sound) mark. This identification follows

the type approval number and has no

connection with the speed rating.

Summer tires

Index Speed rating

Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

S up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

T up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR...Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR...(..Y) over 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR over 149 mph (240 km/h)

Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of

over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR"

in the size description, depending on the

manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR18).

The service specification is made up of

load-bearing index A and speed rating

If the size description of your tire includes

"ZR" and there are no service

Tire labeling

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Wheels and tires

specifications, ask the tire manufacturer in

order to find out the maximum speed.

If a service specification is available, the

maximum speed is limited according to the

speed rating in the service specification.

Example: 245/40 ZR 18 97 Y. In this

example, "97 Y" is the service specification.

The letter "Y" represents the speed rating

and the maximum speed of the tire is

limited to 186 mph(300 km/h).

The size description for all tires with

maximum speeds of over 186 mph

(300 km/h) must include "ZR" and the

service specification must be given in

parentheses. Example:

275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). The speed rating "(Y)"

indicates that the maximum speed of the

tire is over 186 mph (300 km/h). Ask the

tire manufacturer about the maximum

speed.

All-weather tires and winter tires

Index Speed rating

Q M+S

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

T M+S

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H M+S

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V M+S

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

Not all tires with the M+S marking provide

the driving characteristics of winter tires.

In addition to the M+S marking, winter tires

also have the i snowflake symbol on

the tire wall. Tires with this marking fulfill

the requirements of the Rubber

Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the

Rubber Association of Canada (RAC).

These tires have been developed

specifically for driving on snow.

When the electronic speed limiter is set, your

vehicle is prevented from exceeding 130 mph

(210 km/h).

The speed rating of tires mounted at the

factory may be higher than the maximum

speed that the electronic speed limiter

permits.

Make sure that your tires have the required

speed rating, e.g. when buying new tires. The

required speed rating for your vehicle can be

found in the "Tires" section (Y page 340).

Further information about reading tire data

can be obtained from any qualified specialist

workshop.

Load index

In addition to the load bearing index, load

rating : may be imprinted after the letters

that identify speed rating B on the sidewall

of the tire (Y page 328).

If no specification is given: no text (as in the

example above), represents a standard

load (SL) tire

XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced

tire

Light Load: represents a light load tire

C, D, E: represents a load range that

depends on the maximum load that the tire

can carry at a certain pressure

Tire data is vehicle-specific and may

deviate from the data in the example.

Or M+Si for winter tires.

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Maximum load rating

Maximum tire load : is the maximum

permissible weight for which the tire is

approved.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the

specified load limit. The maximum

permissible load can be found on the

vehicle's Tire and Loading Information

placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side

(Y page 322).

The actual values for tires are vehicle-

specific and may deviate from the values in

the illustration.

DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

U.S. tire regulations prescribe that every

manufacturer of new tires or retreader has to

imprint a TIN in or on the sidewall of each tire

produced.

The TIN is a unique identification number. The

TIN enables tire manufacturers to inform

purchasers of recalls and other safety-

relevant matters. It makes it possible for the

purchaser to easily identify the affected tires.

The TIN is made up of manufacturer

identification code ;, tire size =, tire type

code ? and manufacturing date A.

DOT (Department of Transportation): tire

symbol : indicates that the tire complies

with the requirements of the U.S. Department

of Transportation.

Manufacturer identification code:

manufacturer identification code ; provides

details on the tire manufacturer. New tires

have a code with two symbols. Retreaded

tires have a code with four symbols.

For further information about retreaded tires,

see (Y page 312).

Tire size: identifier = describes the tire size.

Tire type code: tire type code ? can be

used by the manufacturer as a code to

describe specific characteristics of the tire.

Date of manufacture: date of manufacture

A provides information about the age of a

tire. The first and second positions represent

the week of manufacture, starting with "01"

for the first calendar week. Positions three

and four represent the year of manufacture.

For example, a tire that is marked with

"3208", was manufactured in week 32 in

2008.

Tire data is vehicle-specific and may

deviate from the data in the example.

Tire characteristics

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Wheels and tires

This information describes the type of tire

cord and the number of layers in

sidewall : and under tire tread ;.

Tire data is vehicle-specific and may

deviate from the data in the example.

Definition of terms for tires and

Tire ply composition and material used

Describes the number of layers or the number

of rubber-coated belts in the tread and the

sidewall of the tire. These are made of steel,

nylon, polyester and other materials.

Bar

Metric unit for tire pressure.

14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) and

100 kilopascals (kPa) are the equivalent of

1 bar.

DOT (Department of Transportation)

DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of

the United States Department of

Transportation.

Normal occupant weight

The number of occupants for which the

vehicle is designed multiplied by

68 kilograms (150 lbs).

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards

A uniform standard to grade the quality of

tires with regards to tread quality, tire traction

and temperature characteristics. Ratings are

determined by tire manufacturers using U.S.

government testing procedures. The ratings

are molded into the sidewall of the tire.

Recommended tire pressure

The recommended tire pressure applies to

the tires mounted at the factory.

The Tire and Loading Information placard

contains the recommended tire pressures for

cold tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the

maximum permissible vehicle speed.

The tire pressure table contains the

recommended pressures for cold tires for

various operating conditions, i.e. differing

load and speed conditions.

Increased vehicle weight due to

optional equipment

This is the combined weight of all standard

and optional equipment available for the

vehicle, regardless of whether it is actually

installed on the vehicle or not.

Rim

This is the part of the wheel on which the tire

is mounted.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight

rating. The actual load on an axle must never

exceed the gross axle weight rating. The

gross axle weight rating can be found on the

vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar on

the driver's side.

Speed rating

The speed rating is part of the tire

identification. It specifies the speed range for

which the tire is approved.

GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)

The GTW is the weight of a trailer including

the weight of the load, luggage, accessories

etc. on the trailer.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)

The gross vehicle weight includes the weight

of the vehicle including fuel, tools, the spare

wheel, accessories installed, occupants,

luggage and the drawbar noseweight, if

applicable. The gross vehicle weight must not

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Wheels and tires

exceed the gross vehicle weight rating GVWR

as specified on the vehicle identification plate

on the B-pillar on the driver's side.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The GVWR is the maximum permissible gross

weight of a fully loaded vehicle (the weight of

the vehicle including all accessories,

occupants, fuel, luggage and the drawbar

noseweight, if applicable). The gross vehicle

weight rating is specified on the vehicle

identification plate on the B-pillar on the

driver's side.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight

The maximum weight is the sum of:

the curb weight of the vehicle

the weight of the accessories

the load limit

the weight of the factory installed optional

equipment

Kilopascal (kPa)

Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa

corresponds to 1 psi. Another unit for tire

pressure is bar. 100 kilopascals (kPa) are the

equivalent of 1 bar.

Load index

In addition to the load-bearing index, the load

index may also be imprinted on the sidewall

of the tire. This specifies the load-bearing

capacity more precisely.

Curb weight

The weight of a vehicle with standard

equipment including the maximum capacity

of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-

conditioning system and optional equipment

if these are installed in the vehicle, but does

not include passengers or luggage.

Maximum load rating

The maximum tire load is the maximum

permissible weight in kilograms or lbs for

which a tire is approved.

Maximum permissible tire pressure

Maximum permissible tire pressure for one

tire.

Maximum load on one tire

Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated

by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle

by two.

PSI (pounds per square inch)

A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.

Aspect ratio

Relationship between tire height and tire

width in percent.

Tire pressure

This is pressure inside the tire applying an

outward force to each square inch of the tire's

surface. The tire pressure is specified in

pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal

(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only

be corrected when the tires are cold.

Cold tire pressure

The tires are cold:

if the vehicle has been parked without

direct sunlight on the tires for at least three

hours and

if the vehicle has not been driven further

than 1 mile (1.6 km)

Tread

The part of the tire that comes into contact

with the road.

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Wheels and tires

Bead

The tire bead ensures that the tire sits

securely on the wheel. There are several steel

wires in the bead to prevent the tire from

coming loose from the wheel rim.

Sidewall

The part of the tire between the tread and the

bead.

Weight of optional extras

The combined weight of those optional extras

that weigh more than the replaced standard

parts and more than 2.3 kg (5 lbs). These

optional extras, such as high-performance

brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-

performance battery, are not included in the

curb weight and the weight of the

accessories.

TIN (Tire Identification Number)

This is a unique identifier which can be used

by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for

example for a product recall, and thus identify

the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the

manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire

type code and the manufacturing date.

Load bearing index

The load bearing index (also load index) is a

code that contains the maximum load bearing

capacity of a tire.

Traction

Traction is the result of friction between the

tires and the road surface.

TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)

The TWR specifies the maximum permissible

weight that the ball coupling of the trailer tow

hitch can support.

Treadwear indicators

Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are

distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread

is level with the bars, the wear limit of á in

(1.6 mm) has been reached.

Occupant distribution

The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at

their designated seating positions.

Total load limit

Nominal load and luggage load plus 150 lbs

(68 kg) multiplied by the number of seats in

the vehicle.

Changing a wheel

Flat tire

The "Breakdown assistance" section

(Y page 298) contains information and notes

on how to deal with a flat tire.

Rotating the wheels

WARNING

Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires

are of the same dimension.

If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size

tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),

tire rotation is not possible.

WARNING

Have the tightening torque checked after

changing a wheel. The wheels could come

loose if they are not tightened to a torque of

96 lb-ft (130 Nm).

Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts

specified for your vehicle's rims.

On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure

monitor, electronic components are

located in the wheel.

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Changing a wheel

Wheels and tires

Wheels and tires -> Tire labeling for Your Mercedes G Class SUV Third Generation (1990-2018)

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