How to read your tyre sidewall markings
The writing on a tyre sidewall has two jobs: it gives the size and specification of the tyre, and it shows the tyre has passed safety standards. Here is what the main markings mean.
The size: 205/55 R16 91V
- 205
- The width of the tyre in millimetres.
- 55
- The aspect ratio: the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
- R
- Radial construction. Nearly all modern tyres are radial.
- 16
- The wheel diameter in inches.
- 91
- The load index: the most weight one tyre can carry. 91 means 615 kg.
- V
- The speed symbol: the top speed the tyre can carry that load at. V means 149 mph (240 km/h).
Speed symbols
Common speed symbols and the top speed each stands for:
| Symbol | mph | km/h |
|---|---|---|
| Q | 99 | 160 |
| R | 106 | 170 |
| S | 112 | 180 |
| T | 118 | 190 |
| H | 131 | 210 |
| V | 149 | 240 |
| W | 168 | 270 |
| Y | 186 | 300 |
Load index examples
| Index | Most weight per tyre |
|---|---|
| 82 | 475 kg |
| 88 | 560 kg |
| 91 | 615 kg |
| 94 | 670 kg |
| 97 | 730 kg |
| 100 | 800 kg |
| 104 | 900 kg |
| 108 | 1,000 kg |
Other markings you will see
- Date code
- Four digits: the week and the year of manufacture. 1607 means the 16th week of 2007.
- Tread wear indicators
- Small bars moulded into the base of the main grooves, level with the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. When the tread wears down to them, the tyre is at the limit. They are marked TWI, or with a symbol.
- ECE approval mark
- Shows the tyre passed European safety standards. An S means it complies with the noise rules.
- Country and brand
- Where the tyre was made, and the brand and pattern name.
- DOT and quality grading
- US markings. They are not required in the UK.
- Maximum load and pressure
- Not for setting your pressures. Use the pressures your vehicle manufacturer recommends. See our tyre pressure guide.
- Outside marking
- On asymmetric tyres, shows which side faces outwards when fitting.
If you are unsure about any marking, or want advice on tyres, call us.