Kia Seltos: Tires and wheels / Tire sidewall labeling

Contents:

• 1. Manufacturer or brand name
• 2. Tire size designation
• 3. Checking tire life
• 4. Tire ply composition and material
• 5. Maximum Inflation Pressure
• 6. Maximum load rating
• 7. Uniform tire quality grading

Tire sidewall information identifies and describes the basic characteristics of the tire. It also provides the Tire Identification Number (TIN), which is used for safety standard certification and may help identify a tire in case of a recall.

The TIN can be used to identify the tire if a safety recall or service campaign applies.

1. Manufacturer or brand name

The tire manufacturer or brand name is shown on the sidewall.

2. Tire size designation

The tire sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. This information is required when selecting replacement tires for your Kia Seltos. The following explains the meaning of the letters and numbers used in a typical tire size designation.

Example tire size designation:

These numbers are provided as an example only. The tire size used on your Kia Seltos may vary depending on trim level, market, and equipment.

P235/45R18 94V

• P: Applicable vehicle type. Tires marked with the prefix "P" are intended for use on passenger vehicles or light trucks; however, not all tires include this marking.

• 235: Tire width in millimeters.

• 45: Aspect ratio. This is the tire section height expressed as a percentage of its width.

• R: Tire construction code, meaning radial construction.

• 18: Rim diameter in inches.

• 94: Load index, a numerical code related to the maximum load the tire can carry.

• V: Speed rating symbol. Refer to the speed rating chart in this section for additional information.

Wheel size designation

Wheels are also marked with important information needed when replacing a wheel. The following explains what the letters and numbers in a wheel size designation mean.

Example wheel size designation:

7.0JX17

• 7.0: Rim width in inches.

• J: Rim contour designation.

• 17: Rim diameter in inches.

Tire speed ratings

The chart below lists several speed ratings commonly used for passenger vehicle tires. The speed rating is part of the tire size designation marked on the tire sidewall. This symbol represents the tire's designed maximum safe operating speed when the tire is properly inflated and used within its load rating.

3. Checking tire life

Any tire on the Kia Seltos that is more than 6 years old, based on the manufacturing date, should be replaced with a new tire. The manufacturing date can be found on the tire sidewall, and in some cases it may be located on the inner side of the wheel. This information is shown as part of the DOT code.

The DOT code is a series of numbers and English letters marked on the tire. The manufacturing date is identified by the last four digits of the DOT code.

DOT: XXXX XXXX OOOO

The first part of the DOT code identifies details such as the plant code, tire size, and tread pattern. The last four numbers show the week and year the tire was manufactured.

For example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1625 means that the tire was produced in the 16th week of 2025.

WARNING

Tire age

Replace tires, including the spare tire, within the recommended time period. Failure to replace aged tires as recommended may result in sudden tire failure, loss of vehicle control, and an accident.

4. Tire ply composition and material

This marking shows the number of layers, or plies, of rubber-coated fabric used in the tire. Tire manufacturers must also identify the materials used in the tire, such as steel, nylon, polyester, and other materials. The letter "R" means radial ply construction, the letter "D" means diagonal or bias-ply construction, and the letter "B" means belted-bias ply construction.

5. Maximum Inflation Pressure

This number indicates the highest air pressure that should ever be placed in the tire. Do not exceed the maximum permissible inflation pressure marked on the sidewall. For the correct Kia Seltos recommended inflation pressure, refer to the tire information label or the related specifications section.

6. Maximum load rating

This number indicates the maximum load, in kilograms and pounds, that the tire can carry. When replacing tires on the Kia Seltos, always use tires with the same load rating as the original factory-installed tires.

7. Uniform tire quality grading

Where applicable, tire quality grades are molded on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width.

For example:

• Treadwear 200

• Traction AA

• Temperature A

Tires age and degrade over time, even when they are not being used. Regardless of remaining tread depth, tires, including the spare tire, should generally be replaced after approximately six (6) years of normal service. Heat from hot climates, heavy loads, or frequent high-speed driving can accelerate the aging process.

Tread wear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times (1½) as well on the government test course as a tire graded 100.

The actual performance of tires on the Kia Seltos depends on real driving conditions. Tire wear can differ significantly because of driving habits, maintenance practices, road surfaces, climate, and vehicle loading.

These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires. Tires supplied as standard or optional equipment on your Kia Seltos may vary by grade.

Traction - AA, A, B and C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement when tested under controlled conditions on specified government asphalt and concrete surfaces. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

The traction grade assigned to a tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests. It does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction performance.

Temperature - A, B and C

The temperature grades are A, B, and C, with A being the highest. These grades indicate the tire's resistance to heat generation and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause tire materials to deteriorate and reduce tire life. Excessive temperature can also lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C represents the minimum performance level that all passenger vehicle tires must meet under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 109. Grades B and A indicate higher performance levels than the minimum required by law.

Choosing properly rated tires and maintaining them correctly helps preserve Kia Seltos handling, braking stability, and long-term driving safety.