Tyre Markings - Tyre Sidewall
Have you ever looked at the sidewall of your tyres and wanted to know what all the tyre markings mean? We have put together a tyre symbol guide to help drivers understand what all the numbers and symbols on your tyres stand for.
Tyre markings explained
1. Tyre Sizes
Some would consider the tyre size the most important detail on the sidewall of the tyre. Each number in each section stands for a different part of the tyre’s size. It looks like this:
205/55/R18 105V
- 205 - the tyre width in millimetres
- 55 - indicates the tyres sidewall height as a percentage e.g. 55% of the tyre width
- R - indicates that the tyre is of radial construction
- 18 - the wheel rim diameter measured in inches
2. Mounting Direction
Not all tyres have this feature, but on an asymmetric tyre, it is important to know which way round the tyre should be placed. The tyre indicator shows which side of the tyre must face outwards. Directional tyres have an indicator to show which direction of rotation is required too.
3. Maximum Load and Pressure
Tyres have a maximum load they can carry as well as a maximum pressure. Your vehicle handbook will have information on recommended tyre pressures, suitable for everyday driving.
4. Tyre Pattern Name
There is a vast range of tyre patterns available from each manufacturer. Each tyre pattern is designed for different purposes, so it’s essential to be able to distinguish all the varying kinds of tyre.
5. Materials
You will sometimes find details of the materials the tyre is made from and how it has been made, included on the tyre sidewall.
6. European ECE Type Approval Marks and numbers
This proves that the tyre being purchased has been tested and passed all European safety standards. The ‘S’ symbol indicates Sound – which means the tyre complies with EC noise directive.
7. Load Index
The load index is identified at the end of the tyre size string, for example, 205/55/R18 105V – it is the number that appears before the letter. This tyre code indicates the maximum load a tyre can carry. The number relates to the below table – so in this example, the tyre can carry 925kg.
| Load Index | Kilograms | Load Index | Kilograms | Load Index | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 290 | 80 | 450 | 95 | 690 |
| 66 | 300 | 81 | 462 | 96 | 710 |
| 67 | 307 | 82 | 475 | 97 | 730 |
| 68 | 315 | 83 | 487 | 98 | 750 |
| 69 | 325 | 84 | 500 | 99 | 775 |
| 70 | 335 | 85 | 515 | 100 | 800 |
| 71 | 345 | 86 | 530 | 101 | 825 |
| 72 | 355 | 87 | 545 | 102 | 850 |
| 73 | 365 | 88 | 560 | 103 | 875 |
| 74 | 375 | 89 | 580 | 104 | 900 |
| 75 | 387 | 900 | 600 | 105 | 925 |
| 76 | 400 | 91 | 615 | 106 | 950 |
| 77 | 412 | 92 | 630 | 107 | 975 |
| 78 | 425 | 93 | 650 | 108 | 1000 |
| 79 | 437 | 94 | 670 |
8. Speed Index
The speed index is the letter that follows the load index next to the tyre size e.g. 205/55/R18 105V.
This indicates the maximum speed the tyre can service. The following table identifies the speeds in relation to the letter:
| Speed Symbol | Approx MPH |
|---|---|
| Q | 99 |
| R | 106 |
| S | 112 |
| T | 118 |
| H | 131 |
| V | 149 |
| VR | 131 |
| W | 168 |
| Y | 186 |
| ZR | 149 |
9. County of Manufacturer
Tyre markings can also inform you on details of where the tyre was made.
10. Tyre Brand
The manufacturer of the tyre will be identified on the tyre sidewall.
11. Tyre Wear Indicator
Some manufacturers add tread wear indicators to their tyres. The indicator is set at 1.6mm. When your tyre tread wears and reaches the indicator, it’s time to have the tyre replaced by law.
If you have any questions regarding the tyre symbols or if you’re looking to buy new tyres, find your nearest Tyre Group branch and drop by or give them a call.
If you are looking for new tyres, search online and buy quickly and simply then arrange fitting at your local Tyre Group branch, at a time to suit you. Alternatively, find out more information on what the numbers on tyres mean from our helpful guide.
