FORD 2013 F-550 v.3 - Manual (Page 360)

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also
provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for safety standard
certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code
and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built.
For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000
the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week
of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire Replacement Requirements
WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the
same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric
versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found on
either the Safety Compliance Certification Label (affixed to either the
door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver’s seating position), or the Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this
information is not found on these labels then you should contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your
vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension,
axle, transfer case, or power transfer unit failure. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Wheels and Tires 359
2013 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012
USA (fus)