What Do Colored Dots on Tires Mean? Encyclopedia of Symbols You Should Know

Have you ever wondered what the colored dots on your new tires mean? They are not just a random decoration, but the key to perfect fitment and better car performance.

Seemingly small details, such as a red or yellow dot, can affect traction, fuel consumption and even driving comfort.

But that's just the beginning - the side of the tire hides a whole system of symbols that can tell you more than you think. Want to know what these symbols really mean and how to decipher them? Read on - you'll discover more than you expect.

1. You look at new tires and see... dots? What are these mysterious markings?

2. How to Read Tire Markings

3. Why know all this?

You look at new tires and see... dots? What are these mysterious markings?

If you've ever looked at a brand new tire and noticed red or yellow dots, no - that's neither a manufacturing error nor a trick of the packaging department.

These are precise markings that help with proper tire mounting and balancing. And that's just the beginning! The sidewall of the tire contains an encyclopedia of abbreviations, symbols and codes. Ready to decipher them?

Colored dots on tires – what are they even for?

The yellow dot tells the technician where the tire's lightest point is - a spot that should be precisely matched to the rim valve , usually its heaviest point.

The red dot, on the other hand, indicates the lowest point of the tyre in terms of radial force and should be positioned opposite the highest point of the rim .

Although these markings may seem inconspicuous, they play an important role in the balancing process , directly affecting ride comfort , handling stability and tire durability .

• If a tire has both dots , the red one always has priority for alignment .

• This setting translates into fewer vibrations , better traction and even lower fuel consumption .

It is worth mentioning that not every manufacturer uses dots, and some brands use other markings, such as lines or squares. Therefore, it is always worth checking the manufacturer's instructions or consulting a service center.

What about the colored stripes on the tread?

The colorful stripes you sometimes see along the tread of a new tire may look like a designer whim—but they also have a purpose.

These strips are mainly used for logistical and control purposes during production . They help manufacturers and distributors quickly identify the tire model, size, indexes and destination (e.g. European vs. American market).

Importantly, the colored stripes have no effect on the tire's performance and are not required for installation.

They usually wear out on their own after driving a few dozen kilometers. So if your new tires have colored lines - don't worry, everything is fine.

How to Read Tire Markings – A Little Guide to the Secret Language

Every tire is a book full of abbreviations. An example? P215/65R15 95H . It sounds like a parcel number, but it's a complete tire specification:

• P – Passenger car, i.e. for a passenger car (LT is for light trucks).

• 215 – width in millimeters.

• 65 – profile, i.e. the height of the side wall as a percentage of the width.

• R – radial construction (i.e. like 99% of tires on the market).

• 15 – rim diameter in inches.

• 95H – load index (95 = 690 kg) and speed index (H = up to 210 km/h).

The higher the speed and load index, the better the performance – but often the higher the price. That is why it is so important to choose tires that meet the requirements of the car manufacturer.

What else will you find on the tire? Here are the important markings:

• DOT – serial number with production date (the last 4 digits are the week and year, e.g. 0522 = 5th week of 2022).

• M+S – Mud and Snow – for driving in mud and snow.

• 3PMSF – a snowflake symbol with three peaks in the background – is a real winter tire.

• XL / HL / Reinforced – reinforced structure, higher load capacity.

• UTQG – American tire rating system: tread strength (Treadwear), grip (Traction), heat resistance (Temperature).

• Run-flat – you can drive even after losing pressure.

• AT – All Terrain – ideal for off-road and asphalt driving.

• Tubeless / Tube-type – tubeless or requiring an inner tube.

These markings allow you to easily assess whether a particular tire is suitable for your driving style and the conditions in which you most often drive.

Certificates, approvals and factory symbols

• E-mark – European compliance with standards, mandatory for sales in the EU.

• TÜV – German quality seal, proving compliance with rigorous tests.

• OE – Original Equipment, i.e. a tire approved by the car manufacturer (e.g. AO – Audi, MO – Mercedes). By choosing OE you can be sure that the tire was factory-fitted to a specific car model.

These markings are especially important if you want to maintain the factory quality and performance of your car.

Why know all this?

Because good tire alignment is not only about comfort. It is about safety , better traction , lower fuel costs and slower tire wear .

And now that you know that these tiny dots can make your car drive like a dream, it's probably worth taking a look at them next time you change them, right?

Understanding the markings also helps you avoid mistakes – for example, buying a tire that is more than 5 years old, which, although “new”, may already have deteriorated properties.