Tyre Sizes

HOW TO CHECK YOUR TYRE SIZE

You can find your car’s tyre size written on the sidewall of your current set of tyres, in your vehicle’s handbook or on a sticker in the door jam or inside the fuel cap door. When buying new tyres you should only go for ones that have these same numbers to ensure a good fit


How to check your tyre size

You can find your car’s tyre size written on the sidewall of your current set of tyres, in your vehicle’s handbook or on a sticker in the door jam or inside the fuel cap door.

The diagram on the right shows an example of how tyre measurements are displayed. In this case: 205/50 R18 95V. Each part represents:

  • Width: This shows the tyre width in mm (here 205)
  • Profile: This shows the profile of the tyre as a percentage of its width (here 50%)
  • Diameter: This shows the diameter of the wheel the tyre fits in inches (here 18)
  • Load: This shows the maximum load capacity rating
  • Speed Rating: This shows the speed rating of the tyre

You can enter these measurements into our tyre finder to quickly locate the most suitable tyres for your vehicle.

Find Your Tyre Size

Load Rating

On a tyre’s sidewall, the load rating appears between the rim diameter and the speed rating.

 

This number shows the maximum weight the tyre can safely carry when inflated to the correct pressure. It relates to the tyre’s carrying capacity — not its actual weight. To see the exact load limit for your tyres, simply check the load rating chart to the right

 

Load Index
Load (KG)
62 265
63 272
64 280
65 290
66 300
67 307
68 315
69 325
70 335
71 345
72 355
73 365
74 375
75 387
76 400
77 412
78 425
79 437
80 450
81 462

 

Load Index
Load (KG)
82 475
83 487
84 500
85 515
86 530
87 545
88 560
89 580
90 600
91 615
92 630
93 650
94 670
95 690
96 710
97 730
98 750
99 775
100 800
101 825

 

Load Index
Load (KG)
102 850
103 875
104 900
105 925
106 950
107 975
108 1000
109 1030
110 1060
111 1090
112 1120
113 1150
114 1180
115 1215
116 1250
117 1285
118 1320
119 1360
120 1400
121 1450

 

Load Index
Load (KG)
121 1450
122 1500
123 1550
124 1600
125 1650
126 1700
127 1750
128 1800
139 1850
130 1900
131 1950
132 2000
133 2060
134 2120
135 2190
136 2240
137 2300
138 2360
149 2430
140 2500

 


Speed Rating

The final letter in a tyre code indicates its speed rating — the maximum speed the tyre can safely handle when fitted to a vehicle.

 

Speed ratings are set through strict testing, where tyres are run at controlled speeds and gradually increased until the maximum safe limit is confirmed.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Fitting tyres with a lower speed rating than your vehicle requires can affect safety and may even invalidate your car insurance. Always check the speed rating before buying new tyres to ensure they match your vehicle’s specifications.

Speed Symbol
Max Speed (MPH)
Max Speed (KM/H)
L 75 120
M 81 130

N

87 140

Q

99 160

R

106 170

S

112 180
Speed Symbol
Max Speed (MPH)
Max Speed (KM/H)
T 118 190
U 124 200

H

130 210

V

149 240

W

168 270

Y

186 300

 


Tyre Labelling

Since 1st July 2012, EU regulations have required all tyres sold in Europe to carry a performance label.

This label is designed to help drivers compare tyres more easily and understand how they may affect safety, efficiency, and comfort.

The label grades three key areas:

FUEL EFFICIENCY

  • Rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) — similar to household appliances.
  • Choosing a higher-grade tyre can reduce fuel consumption by up to 80 litres over its lifetime, saving you money and lowering emissions.

WET BRAKING PERFORMANCE

  • Also graded from A (shortest stopping distance) to G (longest).
  • Each grade difference can add the equivalent of one to two car lengths to your stopping distance, making higher-rated tyres a much safer choice. 

EXTERNAL NOISE

Measured in decibels (dB) and shown with sound wave symbols:

  • One black wave = low noise
  • Two black waves = average noise
  • Three black waves = above EU-permitted level

Frequently Asked Questions

Tyre size affects handling, braking, and overall vehicle stability. Using the wrong size can lead to poor grip, increased wear, and even damage to the suspension or drivetrain. 

Worn tyres reduce traction, especially in wet conditions, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. They also compromise braking performance and can lead to blowouts.

The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, many experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm for optimal safety.

Ideally, inspect your tyres monthly and before long journeys. Look for tread depth, pressure, cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.

Yes — underinflated tyres can overheat and wear unevenly, while overinflated tyres reduce grip and increase the risk of impact damage.

Common signs include low tread depth, visible damage (cuts, bulges), vibration while driving, or tyres older than 6 years, even if they appear fine.

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