Tyre Information

Read Your Tyre Size - Understanding your tyre size will make the selection of your next tyres a lot quicker and easier. Tyre size contains information pertaining to its manufacturer, size, model etc. You can find this information on the sidewall of your tyre and it will read something like: 195/55 R16 87V. The following is an explanation of all terminology used for both regular and low profile tyres.

Nominal Section Width : The first three digit numeric portion identifies the tyre's "Section Width" (cross section) in millimeters.
Here the 195 indicates that this tyre is 195 mm across from the widest point of its outer sidewall to the widest point of its inner sidewall when mounted and measured on a specific width wheel.

Aspect Ratio : The two digit number followed by the Nominal Section Width is a two digit number that identifies the tyre's profile or aspect ratio. The number 55 in the above diagram indicates that the tyre's sidewall height is 55% of its section width. The higher this number, taller the sidewall of the tyre, lower this number, lower the sidewall.

Construction : A letter (R in this case) that identifies the tyre's internal construction follows the aspect ratio. The tyre size above identifies that the tyre has a Radial construction in which the tyre body plies out from the imaginary center of the wheel.

Rim diameter : The number 16 followed by the construction in the above diagram indicates the tyre and wheel diameter in inches. For information about the Load and Speed Index refer to the next section.

Speed symbol on your Tyre
It is very important that you check your speed symbols before buying your tyres. Even, when you are replacing your vehicle's tyres it is important to ensure the new tyres, even, if they are of a different size, have the same or a higher speed symbol. Speed symbol determines the maximum speed at which it can carry its rated load. For the illustrated tyre in the above section, the symbol V limits its maximum speed to 240 kmph. Likewise, there are other speed symbols, whose related speeds can be viewed in the table below.

Load Index on your Tyre
The number following the rim diameter indicates the maximum load that the tyre can carry. Usually a rough load estimate of a tyre is determined by dividing the total load capacity of the vehicle by four and checking the result (Total Load Carrying Capacity) for the associated load index in the table below. Some vehicles require tyres that are rated to carry a higher load and therefore have a higher inflation pressure. This information is contained in the manufacturer's handbook and the tyres will carry the marking RF (Reinforced) or XL (Extra Load).