How to read a tyre size
The size is moulded on the tyre sidewall and written in your vehicle papers. Take 205/55 R16 91V as an example:
- 205: tyre width in millimetres.
- 55: profile, the sidewall height as a percentage of the width (55% of 205 mm).
- R: radial construction, used on almost all car tyres.
- 16: rim diameter in inches.
- 91: load index, the maximum load per tyre (615 kg).
- V: speed symbol, the maximum speed (240 km/h).
Other markings: XL or Extra Load means a reinforced tyre with a higher load index; C after the rim (for example 215/65 R16C) marks a van tyre; ZR marks a tyre for very high speeds.
Speed symbols
| Symbol | Max. speed | Share of car tyres |
|---|---|---|
| Q | 160 km/h | 1% |
| R | 170 km/h | 0% |
| S | 180 km/h | 1% |
| T | 190 km/h | 17% |
| H | 210 km/h | 24% |
| V | 240 km/h | 23% |
| W | 270 km/h | 20% |
| Y | 300 km/h | 14% |
Among car tyres in EPREL, H (24%) and V (23%) are among the most common symbols. You may fit a higher speed symbol than your car requires, never a lower one, except on winter tyres in countries that allow it with a speed sticker in the car.
Load index
| Load index | Max. load per tyre |
|---|---|
| 80 | 450 kg |
| 82 | 475 kg |
| 84 | 500 kg |
| 86 | 530 kg |
| 88 | 560 kg |
| 91 | 615 kg |
| 94 | 670 kg |
| 95 | 690 kg |
| 97 | 730 kg |
| 98 | 750 kg |
| 100 | 800 kg |
| 102 | 850 kg |
| 104 | 900 kg |
| 107 | 975 kg |
| 110 | 1,060 kg |
The load index must be at least the one in your vehicle papers.
Which tyres are made in my size?
The tyre label always applies to one exact size. The same pattern can have different wet grip or fuel classes in different sizes. Find your size in our list of tyre sizes; the most common is 205/55 R16.