Have you ever wondered what all of the writing on your tyre wall means? Perhaps you know where to spot the load index and size information, but do you know what all of the other symbols mean? Can you find out when your tyre was manufactured, or where?

The markings on tyre walls are mainly there for two reasons; firstly, to indicate the size and specifications of the tyre, and secondly, to prove that the tyre has passed European and other country safety standards.

We make it our business to know everything there is to know about tyres, and we can advise you on every aspect of tyre safety, specification and suitability. We stock a wide range of tyres to suit all budgets, and can supply and fit them for you whether you need replacement tyres locally.

Here, we’ve teamed up with the experts at Michelin to bring you a guide to tyre wall markings. 

Tyres are responsible for between 20 and 30% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption. As a tyre rolls, it uses energy and so a tyre that has a lower rolling resistance will use less energy, and this has a direct impact on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Choosing tyres ranked A (best) over tyres ranked G (worst) can reduce fuel consumption by up to 7.5%. This equates to a typical annual fuel saving of 120 litres or £168 (based on 12000 miles and £1.4/l). Currently, D is not used on the scale to provide a clear distinction between higher and less efficient tyres.

1. Type of Construction

Nearly all modern tyres are of Radial construction, as in this example.

2. Load Index

A numerical code referring to the maximum load the tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol. In this example, the code is 91, therefore the maximum load per tyre is 615kg.

See the table below to find out specific load index details for each code:

Load Index - Kg 

66 300 

67 307 

68 315 

69 325 

70 335

71 345 

72 355

73 365 

74 375 

75 387 

76 400

77 412 

78 425 

79 437    

80 450

81 462

82 475

83 487

84 500

85 515

86 530

87 545

88 560

89 580

90 600

91 615

92 630

93 650

94 670

95 690

96 710

97 730

98 750

99 775

100 800

101 825

102 850

103 875

104 900

105 925

106 950

107 975

108 1000

3. Speed Symbol

A letter which indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can carry the load corresponding to the Load Capacity Index. In this example, the symbol is V, therefore the maximum speed is 149mph or 240km/h. Common speed symbols in the UK are ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘H’, ‘V’, ‘W’ and ‘Y’

See the table below to find out specific speed ratings for each symbol:

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

 

4. Uniform Tyre Quality Grading Markings

Required by USA consumer information regulations (not required in UK).

5. Country of Manufacture

In this example, Made In Great Britain

6. Brand Name

In this example, Energy

7. Location of Tread Wear Indicators

(This marking is not on all tyres.) Tread wear indicators are moulded into the base of the main tread grooves and are set at the minimum legal depth of 1.6mm. These act as a visual warning when the tyre tread starts to approach the minimum legal depth. On Michelin tyres, a small Michelin man is used instead of “TWI”

8. North American Department of Transportation (DOT) Markings

Compliance symbol and identification number (not required in UK).

9. Manufacturing Date Code

These numbers represent the week and year the tyre was made. The first two numbers are the week, the second two are the year. In this example, 1607 means the 16th week of 2007.

10. European ECE Type Approval Marks and numbers.

This proves that the tyre has been tested and passed European safety standards.

‘S’ = Sound (the tyre complies with EC noise directive).

11. Tyre Construction Details

12. Commercial Name and Identity

In this example, Michelin

13. Max Load/ Pressure Information (Not required in UK.)

Not to be used for setting pressures. Use the vehicle manufacturer recommended pressures.

14. Indicates exterior sidewall on asymmetric tyres (For fitting purposes.)

15. Tyre Size Designation

This indicates the width, height and construction type of the tyre, and the diameter of the wheel it is designed for. In this example, 205/55 R 16 means:

205 - the nominal width of the tyre’s cross-section in millimetres.

55 - is the ‘aspect ratio’ - the ratio of the sidewall height to the cross-section width.

R - stands for radial construction.

16 - stands for the nominal diameter (in inches) of the wheel that the tyre is designed to fit.

If you are in any doubt about the markings on your tyres, or would like advice on anything related to tyres, you can get in touch with one of our experts by calling the telephone number displayed at the top of this page.