The Writing On a Tyre

WHAT IS THE WRITING ON THE WALL OF MY TYRE?

Each tyre is different and may not have all these marking. This is given as a guide to help you understand the markings. Some of the makings are not visible in the pictures.

Click the images to enlarge

PIRELLI:
Brand Name

STANDARD LOAD:
Indicates that the tyre is not extra load or reinforced. (XL, Extra load, Reinforced, 6,8 Ply etc or the letter C will indicate that the tyre is suitable for greater loads � call us for individual meanings and requirements)

RADIAL / TUBELESS:
Radial is the type if construction of the tyre.
Tubeless indicates that the tyre can be used 'tubeless'

195/55R16 87H:
'195' is the nominal width of the tyre�s cross-section in millimetres.
'65' is the aspect ratio (profile) � the ratio of the side wall height to the cross-section width (%).
'R' stands for radial-ply construction.
'15' is the diameter in inches of the wheel that the tyre is designed to fit.
'87' is the load capacity index it shows the maximum weight the tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed rating symbol.
'H' is the speed rating symbol, this is a letter that indicates the speed which the tyre can carry the corresponding load capacity. (There are many speed symbols e.g. T, H, V, W, Y etc)

THE 'E' IN A CIRCLE WITH NUMBERS:
European ECE Type Approval mark and number.

MADE IN GERMANY:
Country of manufacture.

EUFORI@:
Commercial name and identity of the tyre.

RUN FLAT:
This indicates that the tyre has 'Run Flat' capabilities. (Only some tyres have Run Flat capabilities � Some manufacturers carry a different symbol for Run Flat tyres, e.g. DSST, ZP, RFT, RUN ON FLAT.)

THE 'DOT' WITH LETTERS AND NUMBERS:
This is the North American Department of Transport Markings Compliance Symbol and Identification Number (Not required in the UK)

TREAD, 1 NYLON, 2 STEEL ETC:
These are the tyre construction details (Not required in the UK)

MAX LOAD & MAX PRESSURE INFORMATION:
This is load and pressure information (Not required in the UK)

TREADWEAR 180, TRACTION A, TEMPERATURE A:
Uniform Tyre Quality Grading Markings, required by USA consumer information regulations. (Not required in the UK)

OUTSIDE / INSIDE OR DIRECTION / ROTATION:
Indicates exterior / interior wall on asymmetric tyres or the direction of the tyre for fitting purposes. (Not on all tyres)

T.W.I OR MICHELIN MAN LOGO AT THE BASE OF THE TREAD:
Shows position of the Tread Wear Indicators � The tread wear indicators are moulded in to the base of the tread and are set to the minimum tread depth.