How to read the tyre sizes
Let’s take the tyre above as an example. The tyre size is: 205/55 R16 91V.
The first number is the width of the tyre in millimetres. Therefore, this radial tyre has a width of 205mm.
The ‘55’ confirms the height shown
as a percentage of the full tyre width.
The letter ‘R’ depicts the variety of tyre. This refers to the tyre being a radial type- this is like the majority of the tyres used today. Very occasionally, alternative letters are
shown to indicate other types of tyres that are constructed differently, for example B (bias belt) and D (diagonal).
The number ‘16’ is the wheel rim diameter stated in inches. This tyre will fit over a rim that is 16 inches.
The
‘91’ indicates the load index.
The final letter ‘V’ corresponds to the tyre speed rating.
In the example, the speed rating indicates a maximum speed of 118 miles per hour (190 kilometres per hour).