Reading Your Tire

 

All the important information you need to know about your tire is printed on the sidewall. Being able to read this information will help you maintain your tires, and choose new ones when the time comes. Our guide will help you understand all the different numbers and letters and tell you what they mean.

Tire Type
A “P” or no letter at all indicates a passenger car tire.

Construction
The “R” indicates a radial tire.

ECE Approval Mark and Number
This indicates that the tire conforms to the standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (U.N.E.C.E.) in relation to pneumatic tires.

Tire Pressure Information
This is the maximum inflation pressure for your tire, which is important to know when checking tire pressure. You should consult your vehicle’s manual and tire placard for more information on recommended inflation pressure.

Tread Wear Indicators
The letters “TWI” show the location of the tire’s tread wear indicators. You should check these indicators regularly to ensure the tread is sufficiently deep. The minimum tread depth is in most cases 1.6mm.

Production Date
The date your tire was produced is indicated by a four-digit code showing the week and the year.

Load Index
Your tire’s load index tells you its maximum carrying capacity. It’s important to choose a replacement tire that fits with your manufacturer’s recommendations.

You’ll find the load index of your current tire on the sidewall, just beside the diameter.

Speed Rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum legal speed for a tire when it is correctly inflated and in use under load.

You’ll find your tires’ speed rating printed on the sidewall and represented by a letter. A tire with a speed rating of V, for example, has a maximum speed of 240km/h.

When buying replacement tires, it is essential to match their speed rating with the speed capabilities of your vehicle.