TYRE MARKINGS [G2928056]

Make sure the relevant safety warnings have been read and understood before replacing a tyre. See REPLACEMENT TYRES.

WARNING:

All replacement tyres must be the same specification as the original equipment tyres, except for approved winter tyres, off-road tyres, and Professional Off-Road (POR) tyres. If in doubt, consult a retailer/authorised repairer. Failing to comply with these rules can lead to accidents, potentially causing serious injury or death.

  1. P indicates that the tyre is for passenger vehicle use. The index is not always shown.
    NOTE:

    Some vehicles might be equipped with high load (HL) tyres. High load capacity is marked with HL at location 1, before the tyre size. HL tyres have higher load capacity than extra load (XL) tyres.

  2. The width of the tyre from sidewall edge to sidewall edge, given in mm.
  3. The aspect ratio, also known as the profile, gives the sidewall height as a percentage of the tread width. For example, if the tread width is 205 mm and the aspect ratio is 50, the sidewall height is 102 mm.
  4. R indicates that the tyre is of radial ply construction.
  5. The diameter of the wheel rim, given in inches.
  6. The load index for the tyre. The load index specifies the maximum load the tyre can carry at the speed indicated by the tyre’s speed rating. The index is not always shown.
  7. The speed rating denotes the maximum speed at which the tyre may be used for extended periods. See SPEED RATING.
  8. Tyre manufacturing standard information, which can be used for tyre identification for recalls and other checking processes. This information relates to the manufacturer, place of manufacture, etc. The last four numbers are the date of manufacture. For example, if the number is 3119, the tyre was made in the 31st week of 2019.
  9. M+S or M/S indicates that the tyre is designed with some capability for mud and snow.
  10. The winter tyres symbol identifies dedicated winter tyres. See USING WINTER TYRES.
  11. The number of plies in both the tread area and the sidewall area. The number of plies indicates how many layers of rubber-coated material make up the structure of the tyre. Information is also provided on the type of materials used.
  12. Wear rate indicator: E.g., a tyre rated at 400 lasts longer than a tyre rated at 200.
  13. The traction rating grades a tyre's performance when stopping on a wet road surface. The higher the grade, the better the braking performance. The grades, from highest to lowest, are: AA, A, B, and C.
    NOTE:

    The traction grade assigned to the tyre is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

  14. The maximum load which can be carried by the tyre.
  15. Heat resistance grading: The tyre's resistance to heat is grade A, B, or C, with A indicating the greatest resistance to heat. The grading is provided for a correctly inflated tyre which is being used within its speed and loading limits.
  16. The maximum inflation pressure for the tyre. The maximum inflation pressure should not be used for normal driving. See AVOIDING FLAT SPOTS.
  17. TUBELESS or TL indicates that the tyre is pneumatic and does not have an inner tube.
NOTE:

Approved tyres are identified by the brand mark J, LR, or J LR. Brand markings are specifically excluded for winter and POR tyres.