SIDEWALL MARKS EXPLAINED

All the information about the design of a tyre is found on the sidewall. Tyre size, load capacity and speed rating are all shown, along with other technical information.

Tyre Width

The tyre width is shown in millimeters and is the width from one side of the tyre to the other. Wider tyres give the car more contact with the road and therefore more traction.

Tyre Profile

The tyre profile is actually a ratio, not a metric measurement. The profile is the ration of tyre width to profile height shown as a percentage.

For example: If the tyre has the dimentions shown - 205/50. Then the profile is 50% of the width, so 50% of 205mm is 102.5mm. The tyre height from the rim to the tread is 102.5mm.

Tyre Speed Rating

All tyres have a speed rating letter. The letter denotes a maximum speed that a fully inflated tyre can run at continuously. Each speed rating is 10km/p above the previous. This is a very important parameter, as there is a legal requirement to fit tyres to your vehicle with the correct speed rating.

Wheel Size

This is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches that the tyre is designed to fit.

CAR/4x4 TYRE SIZING

Fitting different size tyres to the original equipment can alter ride, height, gearing, speedometer accuracy and odometer reading rates. This can end up costing you money!
Our expert staff can advise the appropriate tyre size for your vehicle if you change rim size. The original tyre size is found on a chart, usually inside the driver's door frame.