The size of a tyre is printed onto the side of the tyre – on the area known as the sidewall. When looking for the size, you will see that it is made up of a series of numbers and letters.
Tyre Sizes
225 - Width of the tyre in millimetres
75 - Height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width. In this case 75%. Also known as the aspect ratio.
R16 - The diameter of the tyre's inner rim in inches
We recommend that you double check the size provided against what you currently have fitted to your vehicle as multiple sizes may be recommended dependent on the age and model of your vehicle.
Tyre Patterns
There are three main types of tyre patterns: directional, non-directional/symmetrical, and asymmetrical.
- Directional tyres are designed to rotate in only one direction, and their tread pattern is characterized by a V-shaped pattern with grooves that point in the direction of travel. These tyres are typically used for high-performance vehicles and provide excellent traction on wet roads.
- Non-directional/symmetrical tyres have a tread pattern that is the same on both sides of the tyre and can be mounted in any direction. They provide a smooth and quiet ride and are commonly used on family cars.
- Asymmetrical tyres have a different tread pattern on the inside and outside of the tyre, providing a balance between wet and dry handling. They are typically used on sports cars and provide better handling and grip than symmetrical tyres.
It is important to note that when replacing tyres, they should match in terms of pattern type. For example, if your front right tyre is asymmetrical, your front left tyre must also be an asymmetrical.
Guide to Buying Tyres:
Buying tyres for your vehicle can be a daunting task, especially with so many different options available. It is important to choose the right tyre for your vehicle to ensure safety, longevity and optimal performance. This guide will provide you with useful information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing new tyres.
What size tyres do I need for my vehicle?
To determine the correct tyre size for your vehicle, check your owner's manual or look for a placard on the driver's side doorjamb. The size is typically displayed as a series of numbers and letters, such as P205/55R16. The first number (205 in this example) represents the width of the tyre in millimetres. The second number (55) represents the aspect ratio or profile, which is the height of the tyre's sidewall as a percentage of the width. The letter R indicates the tyre's construction, which is radial. The final number (16) indicates the diameter of the wheel in inches.
How do I know when it's time to replace my tyres?
It is recommended that you replace your tyres when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm or less. You can check your tyre's tread depth by using a tread depth gauge or by looking for the wear indicator bars that are located in the grooves of the tyre. Additionally, if you notice any bulges, cracks or other signs of damage on your tyre's sidewall, it is time to replace your tyres.
What are the different types of tyre patterns?
There are three main types of tyre patterns: directional, non-directional/symmetrical, and asymmetrical.
- Directional tyres are designed to rotate in only one direction, and their tread pattern is characterized by a V-shaped pattern with grooves that point in the direction of travel. These tyres are typically used for high-performance vehicles and provide excellent traction on wet roads.
- Non-directional/symmetrical tyres have a tread pattern that is the same on both sides of the tyre and can be mounted in any direction. They provide a smooth and quiet ride and are commonly used on family cars.
- Asymmetrical tyres have a different tread pattern on the inside and outside of the tyre, providing a balance between wet and dry handling. They are typically used on sports cars and provide better handling and grip than symmetrical tyres.
It is important to note that when replacing tyres, they should match in terms of pattern type. For example, if your front right tyre is asymmetrical, your front left tyre must also be an asymmetrical.
What are load/speed ratings and how do I know which to get?
Load and speed ratings are measurements that indicate the maximum load-carrying capacity and speed capability of a tyre. The load index is a numerical code that indicates the maximum weight that a tyre can carry when inflated to its maximum pressure. The speed rating is a letter that indicates the maximum speed that a tyre can safely operate at for extended periods of time.
It is important to select tyres with load and speed ratings that meet or exceed the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle. You can find this information in your owner's manual or on the placard on the driver's side doorjamb.
Additionally, it is important to match tyre load ratings across the same axle. For example, if your front right tyre has a load rating of 98, then your front left tyre must have a load rating within 97 to 100. It is also possible to have different load ratings on the front and rear axles, depending on the weight distribution of your vehicle.
How can I check the date of the tyres?
Tyres have a manufacturing date code on their sidewalls that indicate the week and year the tyre was produced. The code is usually a four-digit number, where the first two digits represent the week and the last two digits represent the year. For example, if the code reads "2618", it means the tyre was manufactured in the 26th week of 2018.
What does the Z in my tyre size stand for?
The "Z" in your tyre size rating indicates that your tyre has a speed rating higher than 240 km/h (149 mph).
What does the R in my tyre size stand for?
The "R" in your tyre size rating indicates that your tyre has a radial construction.What are the different types of tyre patterns? There are three main types of tyre patterns: directional, non-directional (symmetrical), and asymmetrical.
Directional tyres have a V-shaped tread pattern that is designed to channel water out from under the tyre, providing better wet-weather performance. They are also quieter than non-directional tyres due to the way the tread blocks are angled.
What is the best tyre pattern?
Non-directional or symmetrical tyres have a tread pattern that is the same on both sides of the tyre, making them easier to rotate and balance. They provide a smooth, comfortable ride and are a good choice for most vehicles.
Asymmetrical tyres have two different tread patterns on the same tyre, with one side optimized for wet weather and the other optimized for dry weather. They provide a good balance of performance and versatility.
It's important to note that when replacing tyres, they should match each other on the same axle. For example, if your front right tyre is an asymmetrical tyre, then your front left tyre must also be an asymmetrical tyre.
What are load/speed ratings and how do I know which to get?
Load/speed ratings indicate the maximum load a tyre can carry and the maximum speed at which it can safely operate. The load rating is represented by a number and corresponds to the weight each tyre can safely carry. The speed rating is represented by a letter and corresponds to the maximum speed the tyre can safely handle.
When choosing a tyre, it's important to select one with the correct load/speed rating for your vehicle. You can find this information in your vehicle owner's manual or on the tyre placard located in the driver's door jamb or inside the fuel filler door.
It's also important to note that when replacing tyres, the load rating should match across the same axle. For example, if your front right tyre is a 98 load rating, then your front left tyre must have a load rating within 97 to 100. However, you can have different load ratings on the back compared to the front, as long as they meet the minimum load rating requirements for your vehicle.
