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How to read your tyre size

Every tyre has a code on its sidewall — like 195/55 R16 87V. Here's what each part means, so you know exactly what you're buying.

A car tyre with its full sidewall code 195/55 R16 87V labelled: 195 is the width in millimetres, 55 the profile aspect ratio, R the radial construction, 16 the wheel diameter in inches, 87 the load index, and V the speed rating.
195Width

The nominal section width in millimetres, measured across the widest part of the tread. A bigger number means a wider tyre.

55Profile

The aspect ratio — the sidewall height as a percentage of the width. So 55 means the sidewall is 55% of 195 mm. Lower = a shorter, sportier sidewall.

RRadial

The construction type. “R” means radial — the standard on virtually all modern cars. (You may also see “D” for diagonal / bias-ply.)

16Rim

The rim diameter in inches — the wheel size the tyre fits. The two must match: a 16″ tyre only fits a 16″ wheel.

87Load index

A code for the maximum weight each tyre can safely carry. Higher = stronger. 87, for example, is about 545 kg per tyre.

VSpeed rating

The maximum speed the tyre is rated for at full load. V means up to 240 km/h. (Common: T = 190, H = 210, V = 240, W = 270 km/h.)

The first three — width, profile and rim — are all you need for our tyre finder. Not sure? Send us a photo of your sidewall on WhatsApp and we'll read it for you.

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