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How to Read a Sidewall

Markings & Warnings

Safety Warning

Like everything about our tires, safety comes first — even on the sidewall. The tire sidewall always has information to protect against over-inflation, under-inflation and improper tire mounting. It also encourages owners to review the vehicle tire placard information and/or owner’s manual.


safety Warning


M+S

This mark is commonly found on “all season” tires. In several formats, the letters “M” and “S” indicate the tire is intended for limited mud and snow service. Other formats include: “MS,” “M/S,” or “M&S.”

Mud & Snow


Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake


This mark is commonly found on dedicated winter/snow tires. Tires that meet the USTMA definition for passenger and light truck tires for use in severe snow conditions are marked on at least one sidewall with the letters “M” and “S” plus a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake, as shown here.
Three Peak Mountain Snowflake


Global Markings

Tires can be branded with more than one approval code from governments around the world. Here are some of the common global marking you might find:

NOM

NOM stands for ‘Norma Oficial Mexicana’, the Official Mexican standards. Tires with NOM marking on the sidewall indicate that the tire has passed all certification required to be used in Mexico. Some tires intended to be used globally may have NOM certification on top of US DOT certification.
NOM

ECE

ECE stands for ‘Economic Commission for Europe’. Tires marked with a circle E4 followed by numbers are specifically designed for European market. Some tires intended to be used globally may have ECE certification on top of US DOT certification.

ECE

CCC

CCC is the ‘China Standard Mark’. Tires marked with CCC followed by a number are certified to be used in China. Some tires intended to be used globally may have CCC certification on top of US DOT certification.

CCC

INMETRO

INMETRO is the certification of the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial for Brazil Market. Tires with INMETRO marking are certified to be used in Brazil.
INMETRO

Related Information

How to Read a Sidewall

Sizing Information
Product Information
UTQG
DOT Marking