Quick answer: A tyre code such as 195/65 R15 91V means 195 mm wide, a sidewall height of 65% of the width, radial construction, a 15 inch rim, a load index of 91 and a speed rating of V. The four digits after DOT give the week and year the tyre was made.
Updated October 2026 by Javed & Co. Tyres, Pindi Bypass, Gujranwala.
What Do Tyre Markings Mean? A Worked Example
| Part | Example | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 195 | Tyre width in millimetres, sidewall to sidewall |
| Aspect ratio | 65 | Sidewall height as a percentage of the width |
| Construction | R | Radial, the standard on nearly all modern tyres |
| Rim diameter | 15 | Wheel size in inches the tyre fits |
| Load index | 91 | Maximum load per tyre (91 means 615 kg) |
| Speed rating | V | Maximum speed the tyre is rated for (V means 240 km/h) |
Always match every part of this code to your vehicle manual or door-jamb sticker. Do not guess from a tyre that merely looks similar. For a step-by-step buying process, read how to choose the right tyres.
Common Speed Ratings
| Letter | Maximum speed |
|---|---|
| S | 180 km/h |
| T | 190 km/h |
| H | 210 km/h |
| V | 240 km/h |
How Do I Find a Tyre’s Manufacture Date?
Look for the letters DOT followed by a string of characters. The last four digits are the date: the first two are the week and the last two are the year. So 2224 means week 22 of 2024. The format is defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation tyre identification standard and is used worldwide. Tyre rubber ages even when unused, so check the date before you buy. Old stock sold as new is a common trick. See how to spot fake or counterfeit tyres.
What Do the UTQG Grades Mean?
Many tyres carry a treadwear number (a higher number means the tread is rated to last longer), a traction grade (AA, A, B or C for wet braking) and a temperature grade (A, B or C for heat resistance at speed). These grades help compare tyres from the same brand and are most useful as a guide, not a guarantee.
What Is the Maximum Pressure Marking?
The PSI or kPa number moulded on the sidewall is the tyre’s ceiling, not your everyday pressure. Inflate to the figure on your door-jamb sticker. Our tyre pressure guide explains how. Commercial and pickup tyres often show a load range letter such as C or D next to the maximum pressure.
What Are the Wear Indicators?
Small raised bars sit inside the main tread grooves. When the tread wears level with them, the tyre has reached the minimum legal depth used in many countries, which is 1.6 mm, and it needs replacing. Read when to replace your tyres for the full signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 185/65 R15 mean on a tyre?
The tyre is 185 mm wide, its sidewall height is 65% of that width, it is a radial tyre and it fits a 15 inch rim.
What does the number after the size mean?
That is the load index, followed by the speed rating letter. For example, 88H means 560 kg per tyre and 210 km/h.
How do I read the DOT date on a tyre?
Take the last four digits after DOT. The first two are the week and the last two are the year of manufacture.
Can I fit a tyre with a lower speed rating?
It is safest to match the rating your car maker specifies. A lower rating can limit the safe top speed of the car.
Need Help Reading Your Tyres?
Bring your car to Javed & Co. Tyres, Pindi Bypass, near Total Petrol Pump, Kotli Pir Ahmed Shah, Gujranwala. We will read the markings with you, confirm your size and show you the DOT date on any tyre before you buy. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 10 PM. WhatsApp 0328-5199900.
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