Reading Tire Wall Markings [STICKY THIS FOR NOOBS]

[djrem]

Thought this would help people:

http://www.autow.co.uk/smmt/images/tyre.gif

The tyre markings are the details written on the tyre's sidewall.
On the tyre, there are various pieces of information such as the width, structure, performance symbol, load rating.

Using the example of a tyre marked : 195/55 R 15 85H

195 : the tyre width is 195 mm,
55 : the sidewall represents 55% of the width of the tyre,
R : the tyre is of Radial construction,
15 : the internal diameter of the tyre is 15 inches,
85 : the load rating is 85 which corresponds to 515 kilograms,
H : the H performance symbol corresponds to a speed of 131 mph



Specifications for some tyres:
- XL, EL, RF, extraload or reinforced have a higher load index
- M+S (Mud and Snow) indicates winter tyres
- MFS, FR, ML (Max Flange Shield) protects the tyre from kerb damage
- G1 indicates that outside diameter or tread width differ from a tyre without this marking. We recommend to fit two G1 on the same axle. For "four wheel drive vehicles", the 4 tyres must have the G1 marking
- RunFL, EUFORI@, Pax, RFT, ROF, RunOnFlat, DSST indicate that these tyres are able to 'run flat'
- SSR : SSR tyres can only be fitted on vehicles equipped with a pressure control system. In case of an air pressure loss, these tyres allow to drive correctly at a maximum speed of 50Mph for up 50 M.
- DA indicates an appearance defect. Tyres with this marking are factory seconds that have the same manufacturers' guarantees
- BSW (Black Side Wall)
- OWL or ORWL (Off White Letter) means that the writing on the sidewall is white
- Démontage, Demont, Demo are tyres that have been mounted and dismounted and may have been used on a few meters. These tyres are guaranteed and new

Homologations
- PE Peugeot approved tyres
- MO, MB or A-MO Mercedes approved tyres
- B or AU Audi approved tyres
- J Jaguar approved tyres
- A* or * BMW approved tyres
- N0, N1... Porsche approved tyres

[RAFkev]

good sticky

Is it worth having a "wheels and tyres" section?

Loads of ppl must have questions about this! :ponder:

[djrem]

well ive had PMs and questions regarding what these numbers mean all the time over msn.

Just thought id do the research and get them here.

[Predator_R32]

its good but not sure if its going to go as it may be copyright if you catch my drift, it may be better with a link

[Ryan]

personally dont feel the need to have it as a sticky, as most people know what tyres, or buy direct from a garage the correct fitment, also as said youve not written it just used another persons diagrams and ive yet to see a thread asking what tyres mean in this section.