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Your tyre’s sidewall contains all the information about your tyre that you’ll need. Here’s a little guide to what all those numbers and letters mean:
A. Tyre width: The width of your tyre, in millimetres, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
B. Aspect ratio: This is the ratio of the tyre’s cross-section to its width, expressed as a percentage. An aspect ratio of 65, for example, indicates that the tyre’s height is 65% of its width.
C. Wheel diameter: The diameter (height) of the wheel in inches.
D. Load index: Your tyre’s load index relates to its maximum carrying capacity (in kg). You’ll find the load rating of your tyre on the sidewall, just to the right of the diameter.
For example, a tyre with a load index of 91 can carry 615kg of weight.
Load ratings and speed ratings should be looked at together when you buy a new tyre. Also remember to check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
E. Speed rating: The speed rating is the maximum speed for a tyre when it is correctly inflated and being used under load. The speed rating is the letter at the end of the sidewall, after the load index number. A tyre with a speed rating of V, for example, has a maximum speed of 240 km/h.
When buying new tyres, make sure you match their speed rating with the speed capabilities of your vehicle.
To help better understand how to read your tyre's sidewall, Jon Benson from Tyre Reviews, explains the meanings of the key markings on your tyre.
Jon also mentions the 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake symbol on Goodyear All Season and Winter tyres. This means that the tyre is road legal for winter conditions across Europe.
Use the table below to find the load and speed capacity from the markings on your tyres:
Load Index
Speed Index
It may be possible to fit tyres with higher load indexes and different speed ratings to those indicated in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation.
However, always check first in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation if these tyres may be fitted on your vehicle and if using these tyres is permitted under your local laws and regulations. You should also comply with all applicable requirements of your local laws and regulations and not exceed the specifications of these tyres as well as those indicated in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation in terms of speed and load. Your dealer may help you verifying this before purchasing or fitting tyres.
Is it possible to fit tyres with a higher speed rating than my manufacturer recommends?
Yes, this may be possible. However, always check first in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation if these tyres may be fitted on your vehicle.
Is it possible to fit tyres with a higher load index than my manufacturer recommends?
Yes, this may be possible. However, always check first in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation if these tyres may be fitted on your vehicle.
Is it possible to fit tyres with a higher speed rating and a higher load index than my manufacturer recommends?
Yes, this may be possible. However, always check first in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation if these tyres may be fitted on your vehicle.
Is it possible to fit tyres with a lower speed rating than my manufacturer recommends?
Yes, you can use all-season or winter (M+S) tyres that have a lower speed rating so long as: a) a sticker that shows the maximum speed limit is in the driver’s field of vision and b) you don’t drive the vehicle faster than the maximum speed limit. However, always check first in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation if these tyres may be fitted on your vehicle.
Is it possible to fit tyres with a higher load index and a lower speed rating than my manufacturer recommends?
Yes, you can fit tyres that have a higher load index and a lower speed rating.
You can use all-season or winter (M+S) tyres that have a lower speed rating so long as: a) a sticker that shows the maximum speed limit is in the driver’s field of vision and b) you don’t drive the vehicle faster than the maximum speed limit.
However, always check first in your vehicle’s manufacturer documentation if these tyres may be fitted on your vehicle.
Check your vehicle owner's manual to determine the load limits. Overloading your vehicle places stress on your tyres and other critical vehicle components. It can cause poor handling, increased fuel consumption and may cause tyre failure. It can also result in severe cracking, component separation or "blowout."
A “P” or no letter at all indicates a passenger car tyre.
The letter “R” stands for radial. Almost every new tyre built today is a radial tyre.
This tells you that the tyre conforms to the standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (U.N.E.C.E.) in relation to pneumatic tyres.
This is the maximum inflation pressure for your tyre. Consult your vehicle's manual for more information about recommended tyre pressure because it can have an impact on your car’s handling, turning, braking and fuel efficiency.
The letters “TWI” show the location of the tyre’s tread wear indicators. You should check these indicators regularly to ensure there’s enough tread on your tyres. In most EU countries the minimum tread depth 1.6mm.
This four-digit code tells you the week and year that your tyre was manufactured.
