Understanding the markings on your tyres

Understanding the specifications of your Tyre involves deciphering a series of alphanumeric codes, each representing critical information about the Tyre’s dimensions and capabilities:

1. Tyre Classification: The initial letter denotes the Tyre’s category. For instance, “P” signifies a passenger vehicle Tyre, “LT” indicates a light truck Tyre, and “T” designates a temporary spare Tyre.
2. Tyre Width: The subsequent three-digit number specifies the Tyre’s width in millimetres, measured from one sidewall to the other. For example, in “P225/65R17,” the width is 225 millimetres.
3. Aspect Ratio: This two-digit number represents the Tyre’s profile height as a percentage of its width. In “P225/65R17,” the aspect ratio is 65, indicating that the height is 65% of the Tyre’s width.
4. Construction Type: The letter following the aspect ratio reveals the Tyre’s construction method. “R” stands for radial construction, which is the predominant type in modern Tyres.
5. Wheel Diameter: This number indicates the diameter of the wheel, in inches, that the Tyre is designed to fit. In “P225/65R17,” the wheel diameter is 17 inches.
6. Load Index and Speed Rating: The final combination of numbers and a letter denotes the Tyre’s load-carrying capacity and its maximum speed capability. For instance, “95H” means the Tyre has a load index of 95 and a speed rating of H (up to 130 mph or 210 km/h).

To illustrate, P225/65R17 95H translates to a passenger vehicle Tyre with a width of 225 millimetres, an aspect ratio of 65, radial construction, suitable for a 17-inch wheel, and a load index of 95 with a speed rating of H.

If you have any further inquiries or require additional clarification, please don’t hesitate to ask!