The specification for a vehicle's tyres can be obtains from a number of sources:
From the vehicle manufacturer's handbook - Please note: If the vehicle has been fitted non-standard or even special option tyres the handbook may not list the correct tyres.
Directly from the existing tyres on the vehicle - Please note: Some high performance vehicles have different tyres front and rear. It is always worth comparing front and rear tyre specifications to ensure that the correct tyres are selected for all tyres ordered.
Directly from the manufacturer - Please note: The manufacturer will probably not have a record of whether special tyre and wheel options were fitted to the vehicle during manufacture or whether any after market modifications have been made.
It should be noted that in general the most reliable source of information is the tyre itself!
READING A TYRE SPECIFICATION
TYRE WIDTH (WIDTH / PROFILE R RIM SPEEDRATING)
This is the width of the tyre and is quoted in millimeters.
TYRE PROFILE (WIDTH / PROFILE R RIM SPEEDRATING)
The tyre profile is the depth of the tyre and is quoted as a percentage of the tyre width.
RIM SIZE (WIDTH / PROFILE R RIMSIZE SPEEDRATING)
This defines the diameter of the metal wheel on which the tyre fits.
SPEED RATING (WIDTH / PROFILE R RIM SPEEDRATING)
This code specifies the maximum speed at which the tyre can be used when in good condition. Please note that sensible safe driving is recommended at all times and
Speed Symbol Speed Rating
- F 80 km/h (49 mp/h)
- G 90 km/h (55 mp/h)
- J 100 km/h (62 mp/h)
- K 110 km/h (68 mp/h)
- L 120 km/h (74 mp/h)
- M 130 km/h (80 mp/h)
- N 140 km/h (87 mp/h)
- P 150 km/h (93 mp/h)
- Q 160 km/h (99 mp/h)
- R 170 km/h (106 mp/h)
- S 180 km/h (112 mp/h)
- T 190 km/h (118 mp/h)
- H 210 km/h (130 mp/h)
- V 240 km/h (149 mp/h)
- W 270 km/h (168 mp/h)
- Y 300 km/h (186 mp/h)
- Z (ZR) over 240 km/h (over 150 mp/h)
