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The Complete Guide to Your Tyre Sidewall
Your tyre's sidewall is packed with information. Understanding these markings is key to choosing the right tyres for safety, performance, and comfort. Let's break it down.
Core Size: The Numbers for Your Search
These are the three essential numbers you'll use in our search form.
Service Description (Load & Speed)
Found after the rim size (e.g., 91V), this tells you the tyre's load and speed capabilities. It's vital for safety to match or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation.
- Load Index (e.g., 91): This number corresponds to the maximum weight (in kg) a single tyre can carry when fully inflated. A higher number means a higher load capacity.
- Speed Rating (e.g., V): This letter indicates the maximum speed the tyre can safely sustain. For example, 'V' is rated up to 149 mph (240 km/h).
Special Markings (Run-Flat, OE, etc.)
Look for these letters to identify special tyre technologies or recommendations.
- Run-Flat Tyres (RFT): These have reinforced sidewalls that let you drive for a limited distance after a puncture. Markings include RFT, SSR, ZP, ROF, or DSST.
- Original Equipment (OE): Tyres developed for a specific car manufacturer. Markings can include * (BMW), MO (Mercedes), AO (Audi), N (Porsche). Using OE tyres is recommended for optimal performance.
- Winter & All-Season: The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol indicates certified winter performance. M+S (Mud and Snow) is a less stringent all-season marking.
Manufacturing & Age (DOT Code)
The "DOT" code is the tyre's serial number. The most important part is the date code at the very end.
- Date Code: The last four digits tell you the week and year of manufacture. For example, 3223 means the tyre was made in the 32nd week of 2023.
- Tyre Age: It is recommended to replace tyres that are over 10 years old, regardless of tread depth, as the rubber compound degrades over time.
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