9 Tyre Information
Which are the best tyres for my car?
One of the first things you should do if you’re unsure which tyres are best for you vehicle is to check your car’s handbook to see which size, brand and pattern you should be using. In most cars “summer” tyres are fitted, summer tyres are the standard tyres which are sold all year round. If you do decide to get winter tyres fitted during the cold months, the size and speed will be the same as your “Summer Tyres”, but the way the tyre is made and looks will be different. You will know it’s a winter tyre 'snow flake and mountain' marking which is located on the sidewall of the tyre. It’s considered dangerous to mix different types of tyres on the same axle. Ideally a full set of 4 should be fitted to all vehicles.
Understanding tyre markings
The markings on the sidewalls of your car tyres will help you choose the right tyres for your car.
The letters and numbers relate to the tyre size, composition and capabilities. They're not always printed in large type, so it can take a while to spot them – but they should be there.
Here’s what each section of the code means, using a 205/55R16 V tyre as an example:
- 205 – Tyre width (mm)
- 55 – Sidewall profile, the height of the tyre side, (% of Width)
- R – Radial
- 16 – Diameter of the wheel rim (in)
- V – Speed rating
Speed ratings
- S - 112mph
- T - 118mph
- U - 125mph
- H - 130mph
- V - 149mph
- W(ZR) - 168mph
- Y(ZR) - 186mph
- ZR - 149mph
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