Sipes

• More sipes — higher wet traction
• Solid blocks — better tear resistance in gravel, etc.

Shoulder blocks

• Open — higher traction
• Closed — quiet and higher cornering on highway

Circumferential grooves

• Wide and clear — improved water dispersion at highway speeds
• Zigzag and lugs — improved off road and snow traction

DOT markings

The U.S. Department of Transportation markings signify that the tire meets DOT tire-safety standards. The DOT markings help track the tire in the same way a lot number tracks a food product.

• The first two characters designate the tire manufacturer and plant code. This could be important if the tire receives a safety recall.
• Characters three and four denote the tire size.
• The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth (optional) characters identify the brand as well as other characteristics important to the manufacturer.
• The final four numbers denote the date the tire was produced. The first two indicate the week, and the last numbers specify the year.