Tyre Identification Markings
For tires using the P-metric designation (e.g., P245/50ZR16)
Format:
[Code][Width]/[Aspect][Speed][Construction][Size]
Code:
- P = Passenger
- LT = Light truck
- T = Temporary
- LTP = Light truck, personal use
Width:
Width at widest point, sidewall to sidewall, in millimeters
Aspect Ratio:
Tire height in mm, measured tread to bead, divided by width above,
multiplied by one hundred.
Speed ratings:
(The maximum speed the tire can maintain at its maximum load rating)
- Q - 100 mph 160kph
- R - 106 mph 170kph
- S - 112 mph 180kph
- T - 118 mph 190kph
- U - 124 mph 200kph
- H - 130 mph 210kph
- V - 149 mph 240kph
- W - 168 mph 270kph
- Z - more than 168 mph 270kph
Construction:
- R - Radial ply
- B - Bias belted
- D - Diagonal bias
Size:
The diameter of the wheel the tire is designed to be mounted on, in
inches.
Other information:
- Maximum Air Pressure -
- This is the max pressure the tire is designed to hold (note this is
more than the recommended inflation pressure)
- Maximum Load -
- Weight the tire can support
- Load Index -
- A code that indicates the maximum weight the tire can carry at its
speed indicated by its speed rating
- Construction -
- Tells the number and type of plies used in the construction of the
tread and sidewall
- DOT Serial Number -
- Identifies the plant, manufacturer, and date of production
- Tread Wear Index -
- A rating of the tire's resistance to wear. 100 is the reference. A
250 rating indicates 2.5 times the wear resistance of the reference tire. This number
cannot be accurately translated to mileage.
- Traction Index -
- A rating of the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement. There are
three grades, A, B, and C, with A being the best. This index does not reflect the tire's
traction performance on dry, snowy, or icy pavement.
- Temperature Index -
- A rating of the tire's ability to dissipate and resist heat. There
are three grades, A, B, and C, with A being the best.
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