How to Read Tyre Sizes and Labels (Complete Guide)
Buying the right tyres for your car starts with one simple step: knowing what the numbers and symbols on your tyres actually mean.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down tyre sizes and EU labels so you can make informed decisions when buying tyres in the UK – whether you’re shopping online or in-store.
🧾 1. Where to Find Your Tyre Size
You can find your current tyre size in one of three places:
- On the sidewall of your existing tyres
- Inside the driver-side door frame
- In your vehicle owner’s manual
A typical tyre size looks like this:
205/55 R16 91V
Let’s break that down 👇
🔢 2. Understanding the Tyre Size Code
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 205 | Tyre width in millimetres |
| 55 | Aspect ratio (height as % of width) |
| R | Radial construction |
| 16 | Diameter of the wheel in inches |
| 91 | Load index (weight the tyre supports) |
| V | Speed rating (max speed capability) |
Key tip: Never fit tyres with a lower load or speed rating than recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
⚖️ 3. What Is the Load Index?
The load index tells you how much weight each tyre can safely support.
| Load Index | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| 91 | 615 kg |
| 94 | 670 kg |
| 98 | 750 kg |
🛑 Using tyres with too low a load rating can be dangerous and illegal.
🏁 4. What Is the Speed Rating?
The speed rating indicates the maximum safe speed your tyre can handle when properly inflated.
| Speed Rating | Max Speed (mph) | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| T | 118 mph | Standard passenger cars |
| H | 130 mph | Mid-range vehicles |
| V | 149 mph | Performance vehicles |
| W/Y | 168–186 mph | High-performance cars |
✅ Always match or exceed the speed rating specified in your car manual.
🏷️ 5. Understanding EU Tyre Labels (UK Still Uses These)
Even post-Brexit, EU tyre labels are still required in the UK.
Each tyre is rated in 3 categories:
A. Fuel Efficiency
- Rated A to E (A = most efficient)
- Affects rolling resistance and fuel consumption
B. Wet Grip
- Also A to E
- Indicates braking performance on wet roads
C. Noise Emissions
- Shown in decibels (dB)
- One, two, or three bars show loudness
Example label:
yamlKopijuotiRedaguotiFuel Efficiency: B
Wet Grip: A
Noise: 70 dB
🟢 Look for tyres rated A or B for wet grip – vital on UK roads.
🔁 6. Optional Markings You Might See
- M+S: Mud and Snow – for all-season or winter tyres
- 3PMSF: Three Peak Mountain Snowflake – certified winter tyres
- XL: Extra Load – reinforced tyres for heavier vehicles
- Run Flat: Can be driven temporarily after puncture
These markings help you choose based on weather, terrain, and vehicle load.
✅ CTA – Find the Right Tyres by Size Today
Still unsure what size you need?
At Tyres1.co.uk, you can:
- Enter your vehicle registration to auto-match the right size
- Search by width, profile, and diameter
- Get expert advice from our UK-based support team
👉 Start your search by tyre size here
🛞 Fast UK delivery. Optional mobile fitting available.
