Our Short Guide to Tyre Wall Marking
You’re in the process of upgrading the tyres for your vehicle but are curious about what all the writing on your tyre walls means? The tyre wall markings are mainly on the tyres, for two reasons; primarily to convey the size and specification of the tyre, and secondly to prove that the tyres have passed European necessary country safety standards.
At MQ Mobile Tyres, we make it our priority to know everything there is about tyres, and we can provide you with advice and expertise on each different aspect of tyre specification, safety, and suitability that is essential for your vehicle.
What Do The Number On Side of Tyres Mean?
The string of numbers displayed in the image (175 / 60 R 15) gives an indication of the size of the tyre that is required to fit your vehicle. These tyre numbers mean the following:
- 175 – Tyre Width: This indicates the width of the tyre in mm from sidewall to sidewall
- 60 – Aspect Ratio: These numbers follow from the / on the sidewall of the tyre and are expressed as a percentage of the type width
- R – Tyre Construction: The letter ‘R’ indicates that the tyre is of radial construction. The other two types of tyre construction include ‘B’ (bias belt) and ‘D’ (diagonal)
- 15 – Wheel Diameter: This figure signifies the size of the wheel rim in inches that the tyre should be fitted to.
Other Tyre Symbols Explained?
Load Index
The load index is a numerical code, in the image above represented by 99 and this refers to the maximum carrying capacity (in kg) that a tyre can carry. The load index is directly related to the total weight in kilograms.
Speed Rating
The speed rating is displayed by a letter and this is the maximum speed that a tyre can service when is correctly inflated, and carrying its maximum load. The speed rating is the letter at the end of the sidewall, after the load index number. A tyre with a speed rating of W, for example, has a maximum speed of 270 KM/H.
The table below gives a more detailed representation of speed rating for car tyres:
| Speed Symbol | Max Speed MPH | Max Speed KMH |
| 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 |
Table above illustrates the max suggested speed for your vehicle based on the speed symbol of your Tyres
Tyre Load Capacity
This number gives you a rough indication of the maximum load that your tyres can handle. This is important to know if you are loading your car with heavier items for lengthier trips. You can locate the tyre labelling on the sidewall of your tyre. Look for a two to three digit number which indicates the tyre load capacity.
Get in Touch!
We hope that this short guide has given you a better insight into tyre wall markings, understanding all the basic fundamentals of a tyre and knowing how to pick the right tyre spec for your vehicle.
If you are still unsure about tyre wall marking or would like advice on anything tyres related, please contact our team on 01234 327328 or use our contact form, and a member of our team will be more than happy to help you!