How to read the markings on a tyre sidewall

Size

• 205 – tyre width in millimetres.
• 55 – profile height as a percentage of the width (55% × 205 mm ≈ 113 mm).
• R – radial construction. ZR indicates a high-speed tyre, RF or RFT a run-flat tyre.
• 16 – rim diameter in inches.

Load and speed index

• 91 – load index: the maximum permitted load per tyre (91 = 615 kg).
• H – speed index: the maximum permitted speed (H = 210 km/h).
• XL – reinforced tyre that can carry a higher load than a standard tyre of the same size.
• C after the size (e.g. 215/65R16C) indicates a van tyre. Van tyres often have a dual load index, e.g. 109/107: the first applies to single wheels and the second to twin wheels.

Choose a tyre with a load and speed index at least as high as permitted on your vehicle registration certificate or in the manufacturer's data.

Winter markings

• M+S – the manufacturer's declaration for mud and snow, without a mandatory test.
• 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) – the tyre has passed a standardised snow test.
• Ice grip symbol – the tyre has passed a standardised ice braking test (Nordic friction tyres).

Date of manufacture

The last four digits of the DOT code show the week and year, e.g. 2526 = week 25 of 2026.