Bridgestone Team

Every sidewall tells a story. In the case of farm tires, the sidewall includes important information about the size, tread, load index, speed ratings, bead seating warnings and more. They’re all details that can help you assess tire safety and make the best purchase decision to fit your needs. 

Here’s five details your sidewall will reveal and how to read it. 

• The first number in the tire size designation represents the nominal section width of the tire in millimeters. This measurement is taken from one sidewall to the other, as shown by "320" in the image below.
  
  
• The second number is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the section width. A lower aspect ratio indicates a shorter sidewall heigh, as illustrated by "65" in the image below.
  
  
• The letter following these numbers indicates the type of tire construction. For example, "R" stands for radial construction. 
  
  
• The final number specifies the rim diameter in inches, indicating the size of the rim that the tire is designed to fit, as exemplified by "15".

The load index is the two- or three-digit code that indicates the load carrying capacity of the tire. Maximum load goes hand in hand with the speed stated by the speed symbol. Together these numbers can be considered a variable performance rating. 

• Load Index - Load carrying capacity of the tire.
  
  
• Load Index Values - Range from 50-209.
  
  
• International Load Index Chart
  
  
• Speed Rating - Maximum speed for tire.
  
  
• A Rated Tires – Designed for slower speeds.
  
  
• G Rated Tires – Built for higher speeds.

Date Codes tell you where your tire was made as well as the week and year it was manufactured.

• Code for manufacturing location - VE is the code for tires produced as Bridgestone/Firestone Des Moines, Iowa. 

• First two numbers - This is the week your tire was made.

• Last two numbers - This is the year your tire was made. 

•  "0819" 0 Indicates a tire manufactured on the 8th week of 2019.

The bead seating marking on the sidewall shows you the maximum inflation pressure to seat the bead, which allows the tire to be inflated to the correct pressure. When you operate tires at the recommended inflation pressure, you minimize soil compaction and increase fuel efficiency.

Any safety warning information is located closer to the wheel rim. 

Find the right tire

Choosing the right tire doesn’t have to be complicated. Firestone’s AG Tire Selector takes the guesswork out so you can find a tire that truly fits your needs.

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