How to Read a Farm Tire Sidewall
Bridgestone Team | 5 min read 

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. 

Tire Size

  • 320 tells the nominal section width in millimeters. This is the measurement from one sidewall to another.

  • 65 is the aspect ratio. The lower the ration, the lower the sidewall height. 

  • The letter R indicates radial construction. Read more about Radial Traction Solutions and see a  Traction Comparison Chart.

  • 15 indicates the rim diameter and means this tire would fit a rim with a 15-inch diameter. 

Load Index Number & Speed Rating

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 - Slower speeds. 

  • G Rated Tires - Faster speeds

Date Code

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.

Bead Seating Warning

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.

Safety Warning

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

Find the right tire

There are a lot of tires to choose from, but it couldn't be easier to find the right tire for your needs with the Firestone AG Tire Selector.

 

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