Have you ever wondered what all the writing on your tyre sidewall means? Perhaps you know where to find the load index and size information, but do you understand all the other symbols? Can you tell when and where your tyre was manufactured?
The markings on tyre sidewalls serve two main purposes: to indicate the size and specifications of the tyre, and to show that the tyre meets European and other international safety standards.
At Wick Tyre, we pride ourselves on knowing everything there is to know about tyres. We can advise you on every aspect of tyre safety, specifications, and suitability. We stock a wide range of tyres to suit all budgets and can supply and fit them locally for your convenience.
We’ve teamed up with the experts at Michelin to bring you this helpful guide to tyre wall markings.
Most modern tyres are of radial construction, as shown in this example.
This numerical code refers to the maximum load the tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol. For example, a load index of 91 means the maximum load per tyre is 615kg.
| Load Index | Kg | Load Index | Kg | Load Index | Kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 90 | 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 |
A letter indicating the maximum speed the tyre can carry the load specified by the load index. For example, a speed symbol ‘V’ means a maximum speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Common UK speed symbols include ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘H’, ‘V’, ‘W’, and ‘Y’.
| Speed Symbol | Approx MPH | Approx KM/H |
|---|---|---|
| Q | 99 | 160 |
| R | 106 | 170 |
| S | 112 | 180 |
| T | 118 | 190 |
| H | 131 | 210 |
| V | 149 | 240 |
| VR | 131 | 210 |
| W | 168 | 270 |
| Y | 186 | 300 |
| ZR | 149 | 240 |
Required by USA consumer regulations (not required in the UK).
Shows where the tyre was made. For example, “Made in Great Britain”.
The tyre’s brand, e.g., Energy.
Not present on all tyres. TWIs are moulded into the tread grooves and indicate the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm. They act as a visual warning when tread depth approaches the legal limit. On Michelin tyres, a small Michelin man symbol is used instead of “TWI”.
Compliance symbol and ID number (not required in the UK).
These four digits represent the week and year the tyre was made. For example, “1607” means the 16th week of 2007.
Shows that the tyre meets European safety standards. ‘S’ indicates compliance with EC noise regulations.
For example, Michelin.
Not required in the UK. Use vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressures instead.
For fitting purposes.
Indicates width, height, construction type, and wheel diameter. For example, “205/55 R16” means:
205 = nominal width in millimetres
55 = aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width)
R = radial construction
16 = wheel diameter in inches
If you’re unsure about the markings on your tyres or would like advice, contact one of our experts at Wick Tyre on 07983 977372 or visit us at 11 Chapman Road, London, E9 5DW. We’re here to help.