Writing on Tyres Mean

What does the writing on my tyres mean?

What does the writing on my tyres mean?There are two main purposes of the writing that you'll see on the sidewall of your tyres.

The first is to help identify the size and specification of the tyres correctly. The second is to confirm that the tyre has been tested and approved to European and other country safety standards. The European mandatory is known as 'E' marking. Click here to see a diagram explaining each part of the tyre reference.

Although not illegal, it is not recommended to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load capacity than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook, which will confirm your vehicles tyre speed and load ratings as well as any additional requirements.

Load Index and Speed Ratings

The majority of tyres carry coded markings on them, which correspond to their load carrying and maximum speed capabilities.

For example: 91V

91= Index of maximum load carrying capacity per tyre, in this case equates to 615kg.

V= Symbol which equates to a speed rating of 240km/h (approximately 149mph)

The load index is a numerical code, which corresponds to the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol, under specific service conditions. For specific load index details see below.

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
68 215 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

The speed symbol indicates the speed at which the tyre can carry the load corresponding with its load index. For specific speed rating details see below.

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

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