Tyre Sidewall Markings Explained

This information on your tyre sidewall reads like all the information you would ever want to know. The decryption of this can be somewhat complex, but there are many signs, abbreviations and codes. Luckily, we’ll offer assistance.

 

This is why we thought it would be a good idea to put this guide together for you to understand what everything implies and its significance to you as a driver. Sidewall markings on Tyres Leicester serve two primary purposes:

 

Firstly, it should indicate the tyre size and other features of the tyre. Secondly, it should be an indicator of whether the tyre has passed tests that prove it is safe for use on the road.

 

 

The sidewall will help you know who made the tyre. Replacement tyres are made of very high quality, as would have been the case when your car left the factory. To prove this quality, many tyres will have something called an OE marking on the sidewall of the tyre.

 

This would indicate that this tyre is designed for a specific car manufacturer. Special marks on car tyres made for specific brands indicate the right fit. For instance, Audi will be indicated by “AO,” Mercedes by “MO,” and BMW by a star symbol.

 

These marks ensure that the tyres will suit the car perfectly. OE tyres are specifically designed by the tyre companies to meet the explicit requirements set by the car makers.

 

Coordination between tyre companies and car companies happens directly in the making of those kinds of tyres. Many tyre shops also enjoy a large market presence in the sale of OE tyres and get various approvals from many car manufacturers.

 

 

Every tyre manufacturer has a tread pattern different from others. You will get the name of your tyre pattern printed on its side, along with the range that it falls under. This information will help you in case you want to replace your tyre with a similar type shortly.  

 

 

This figure indicates the maximum pressure your tyre is designed to safely support - not where you should start with your everyday driving. For the correct pressure for your tyres, read our guide about it.

 

Along your tyre sidewall, there is an aggregate of numbers & letters that resemble the following: 205/55/R18 105V. It holds some useful information about the size of your tyre:

 

    • 205: Millimetres of width

    • 55: Sidewall height of tyre as a percentage of its width

    • R18: Diameter of the inner rim in inches.

    • 105: The load index describes the load it is capable of sustaining.

    • V: Speed rating describes the maximum speed a tyre is safely operational at.

 

In other words, the numbers and letters describe how large and strong a tyre is.

 

 

You can sometimes use tyres that can handle more weight and go faster than what your car manual suggests. Do this, however, after checking your car manual to ensure that it allows such tyres according to the local laws.

 

Never overdose on it, keeping in mind the speed and weight according to both the tyre and your car manual. It would be in your best interest to consult your dealer for surety and security purposes before buying or mounting new tyres.

 

 

Most tyre sidewalls will indicate, by an arrow or mark, which way the tyre should point when fitted to your car. This is important because tyres are designed to work best when they're travelling in a particular direction. Fit them the wrong way around, and it can cause problems - it might even make your car fail its MOT test.

 

 

The 'EC' marking would indicate that the tyre passed European safety tests and was safe to use. The 'S' symbol indicates that the tyre has been specially developed to meet requirements relating to the amount of noise it creates in driving.

 

 

Tread wear indicators are small markers noticeable on many tyres. They help show that your tyres are worn out. On most tyres, the letters there will be Tread Wear Indicator (TWI), but for tyres, you will find the Michelin man indicating that they are a bit different.

 

You will see these indicators when your tyre tread has reached the minimum legal depth on a road in the UK, which is 1.6 mm. If these indicators appear, you should immediately have your tyres replaced.

 

For your safety, regularly check the tread, ensuring that it is not under significant depth. You can check here on how to check your tread depth.

 

 

It fills the sidewall with these numbers and letters, which can be a little confusing to see, but these are highly important for the safety and proper functioning of the car. They tell you so much about your tyres: size and safety, which means knowing them will make sure that you will have the best set of tyres to protect you on the road.