Please note, we specify tyres employing the code,
WIDTH/PROFILE R RIMSIZE SPEEDRATING (e.g. 195/65 R15 V)
An alternative commonly seen is,
WIDTH/PROFILE SPEEDRATING R RIMSIZE (e.g. 195/65 VR15)
The two systems are equivalent, the "R" in each case representing Radial tyre construction.
GENERAL
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) |
LOAD RATING (WIDTH / PROFILE R RIM LOADRATING SPEEDRATING)
This
code defines the maximum load the tyre can carry. For a given size of tyre there is usually little variation in
load rating offered by different manufacturers. We list the load rating alongside each tyre's name
(see the (LR=xx) figures when WIDTH, PROFILE, RIM & SPEEDRATING have been entered.)
OTHER TYRE SPECIFICATIONS
The details listed above pertain to tyre ratings of the form,
WIDTH / PROFILE R RIMSIZE SPEEDRATING
There are, however, other
tyre specifications that are less common. For assistance please call us.
