Tyre Markings

Speed Rating

The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.

Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.

If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.

Load Index

The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.

Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.

Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.

Date of Manufacture

Your tyre is also printed with information about when and where the tyre was manufactured. This is represented by a series of letters and numbers which starts with the letters DOT (meaning the tyre exceeds Department of Transport safety standards).

The first 8 characters that follow DOT are essentially a serial number used by the manufacturer to identify the tyre and in which production facility it was made.

The last four digits, usually presented in a small window can help you to identify the age of the tyre.

The first two digits represent the week of the year the tyre was produced from 1 to 52. The last two digits represent the year. So a tyre marked 1315 was manufactured in the 13th week of 2015.

Tyres age over time, which can be accelerated if the vehicle is used infrequently. If the date of manufacture on your tyres is in excess of 6 years, we recommend having your tyres checked out to ensure they are still roadworthy.

Reinforced

Tyres with an increased load index are often marked to show that they have been reinforced to handle extra weight. This varies from one manufacturer to the next but look out for the following symbols which are used to identify if the tyre has been reinforced.

Run Flat

Run flat tyres are specially designed with strengthened side walls so that, in the event of a loss of pressure such as a puncture, the tyre can hold the weight of the vehicle and continue to be used for a short time until you can reach an appropriate place to stop and have the tyre replaced. There are many different tyre markings for run flat tyres depending on the manufacturer.

Homologation

Some tyres are intended specifically for use with certain vehicle makes for added performance benefits. These tyres are designed in close co-ordination with the vehicle manufacturer and feature a designated symbol on the sidewall which shows that the tyre meets the manufacturer’s exacting standards and has been given OE status.

Many of the world’s top car manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have designated markings and the same letters and symbols are used by all tyre manufacturers to show that the tyre has been specifically designed for that vehicle.