【Automobile Knowledge Base】Teach you how to read tire information in one second!

Detailed explanation of tire tie markings

1. What does each part of the string of numbers and letters 205 / 55 R16 91V stand for?

2. 205 - Tire width (mm)

  • Represents the width of the tire in millimeters (mm).
  • In this example, 205mm is the width of the tire in contact with the ground.

3.55 —— Profile/Aspect Ratio

  • Refers to the ratio of the height to the width of the tire , that is, the percentage of the height of the tire side to the width.
  • In this example, 55 means the height is 55% of the tire width.
    • Height = 205mm × 55% = 112.75mm

4. R - Structural Type

  • R stands for "Radial" , which is the structure used in most private car tires today.
  • Occasionally you'll see a "D" (Diagonal), but it's rarely seen on modern vehicles.

5. 16 - Rim diameter (inches)

  • Represents the diameter of the applicable rim in inches.
  • In this example, 16 inches means that this tire is only suitable for 16-inch rims.

6. 91 - Load Index

  • The maximum load that a tire can bear (single tire) , expressed in kilograms.
  • 91 corresponds to 615 kilograms .
    • The load index comparison table can be found in tire information or online resources.

7. V — Speed Rating

  • The maximum safe speed that the tire can withstand , expressed in English letters.
  • V means maximum speed is 240km/h .
    • Common speed levels: T (190km/h), H (210km/h), V (240km/h), W (270km/h), etc.

Other common signs

  • M+S (Mud + Snow) : Suitable for use in mud and snow, commonly found in four-wheel drive or SUV tires.
  • DOT number : U.S. Department of Transportation certification code, the following numbers represent the week and year of production (such as "2519" means production in the 25th week of 2019).
  • Treadwear, Traction, Temperature : wear resistance, grip, and high temperature resistance level (mostly seen in US tires).
  • Tire pressure recommendations : Some tires will indicate the maximum inflation pressure.

Diagram (Text Version) 

 ┌─────────────┬───────┬─────┬────────┬────────────┬─────────────┐
 │ 205 │ 55 │ R │ 16 │ 91 │ V │
 └─────────────┴───────┴─────┴────────┴────────────┴─────────────┘
 │ │ │ │ │ │
 ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
寬度(mm) 扁平比結構輪圈直徑載重指數速度級別

Summarize

Tire markings are not just about the model, but are directly related to safety, performance and compliance. When changing or purchasing new tires, you must follow the factory recommended values to ensure driving safety and the best driving experience. If you don't understand a marking, you can check the owner's manual or a tire professional.


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