What size are my tyres?

For many people, knowing what size tyres your car is fitted with is not something you give much consideration to. Knowing how to read your tyre size however, is a handy thing to know and can be of great assistance when it comes to buying new tyres.

How do I find out my tyre size?

All tyres have a code system moulded into the sidewall of the tyre. Represented by a series of numbers and letters, this code provides you with information regarding:

• Technical capabilities of the tyre
• Tyre size
• Tyre construction
• Load carrying capacity
• Speed rating

You can also look up information regarding the recommended tyre size for your car in the owner’s manual.

How do I read my tyre size and what does it mean?

As an example, the code may read:

P 195/60 R 15 94 H

P indicates the type of vehicle the tyre was made for. In this example, P stands for ‘passenger vehicle’.

195 the width of the tyre in millimetres.This is known as the section width. The measurement is taken from the widest point of the tyre’s outer sidewall to the widest point of its inner sidewall.

60 the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width. This is also known as the aspect ratio or profile. In this example, the tyre has an aspect ratio of 60, which means that the height of the tyre is equal to 60% of 195mm, which is approximately 112.5mm.

R the internal construction. R stands for ‘radial’. These are the most common types of tyre used in the market today.

15 the diameter of the wheel rim in inches. Before a tyre can be mounted on the wheel, the tyre and wheel diameter must match.

94 the maximum weight the tyre can carry. This is otherwise known as the load rating and indicates the maximum load that the tyre can support when properly inflated.

H the speed rating of the tyre, represented by a letter. The speed and load rating work together as the speed rating is the maximum speed the tyre can reach when operating at its maximum load carrying capacity.

There are some instances where a tyre may also have the letters ‘XL’ after the speed rating, which stands for Extra Load. This means that the tyre can be inflated to a higher pressure, increasing its maximum load. This typically relates to larger vehicles such as SUVs or load carriers including utes and vans.

Perhaps you drive a working vehicle such as a light truck or commercial van. In these instances you may notice that the vehicle letter indicator for your vehicle is ‘LT’. This means that the tyre has been constructed for a light truck.

When the time comes to buy new tyres, you will need to choose the right size. Knowing how to read your tyre size helps to ensure that you buy tyres of a similar size to your existing ones. Failure to do so can have a negative impact on your speedometer and odometer and cause you to speed unknowingly.

We supply and fit a great range of tyres to suit all makes and models from leading brands including Falken, Pirelli, Michelin and Hifly. Let our experienced team help you to find the best tyres to suit both your budget and driving demands. Come in and see us at 940-946 Victoria Rd, West Ryde NSW, or give us a call on (02) 9807 1000to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff.