This describes the sidewall appearance. Examples include Black Sidewall, White Sidewall, and White Letters.

The load index (LI) is a 2 or 3 digit number that corrolates to the maximum amount of weight the tire can carry. For example, a tire with a load index of 87 indicates that the tire can carry a maximim load of 1,201 lbs. In the case of our example the 87 identifies the tires ability to carry a maximum of 1,201 lbs. So 4 tires will carry a maximum of 4,804 lbs.Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for theRecommended minimim Load Index. It is notRecommended to install tires with a lower Load Index. By doing so, this could cause your tires to be overloaded thus potentially causing a blowout. read less

SpeedRatings (SR) are based on laboratory tests and indicates the maximum speed the tire can achieve. These tests are based on limited time trials. Higher speedRating tires typically will yield better handling capabilities, but may oftenResult in lower mileage.Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for theRecommended minimum SpeedRating. It is notRecommended to install a tire with a lower speedRating as it could affect the handling of your vehicle. It is important to note that speedRatings only apply to tires that have not been damaged, altered, under-inflated or overloaded. Additionally, most tire manufacturers maintain that a tire that has been cut or punctured no longerRetains the tire manufacturer’s original speedRating, even after beingRepaired because the tire manufacturer can’t control the quality of theRepair. read less

PlyRating isRelated to the max load capacity. This value can be defined with a letter or number. The higher the number/letter, the higher the load capacity.

To help consumers evaluate their tires, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQG). The UTQGRates tires areRated on their tread-wear, traction performance, and temperatureResistance. The grade for each of these can be found on the sidewall of your tire (except for winter tires and certain light truck tires). 

Nondirectional – most common, same tread pattern on inside & outside of the tire. Can beRotated to all four corners of vehicle.
Asymmetrical – tread pattern is different on the inside to the outside of the tire, and must be mounted properly. Can beRotated to all four corners of the vehicle.
Directional tires -Roll in only one direction, must be mounted properly. Once mounted they mustRemain on the same side of the vehicle, and only beRotated front toRear. read less