Understanding Your Tyres – A Tyre Size Fitment Guide to Sidewall Markings
Your tyre’s sidewall markings provide essential information about its size, structure, and performance characteristics. Understanding these markings can help you make informed decisions about replacements, upgrades, and maintenance.
How to Read Your Tyre Sidewall
Every tyre is marked with specific numbers and symbols that indicate:
- Tyre Width – Measured in millimetres (e.g., 205)
- Tyre Profile (Aspect Ratio) – The height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width (e.g., 55)
- Radial Construction (R) – The internal structure of the tyre (most modern tyres are radial)
- Load Index – The maximum weight the tyre can safely carry (e.g., 91)
- Wheel Diameter – The size of the wheel rim in inches (e.g., 16)
- Speed Rating – The maximum speed capability of the tyre (e.g., V)
Need help? Visit your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre store for expert advice on selecting the right tyres for your vehicle.
What Are Radial Tyres?
Radial tyres are the most common type of tyres used today. Their design allows the tread and sidewall to function independently, providing several key benefits:
- More flexible sidewalls – Improves comfort and road grip
- Lower rolling resistance – Reduces fuel consumption
- Enhanced durability – Even tread wear for longer tyre life
Radial tyres are standard on passenger vehicles, SUVs, and commercial vehicles due to their performance and efficiency advantages.
Tubeless & Run Flat Tyres – What You Need to Know
What Are Tubeless Tyres?
A tubeless tyre does not require an inner tube and is designed to retain air within the tyre itself. This reduces the risk of sudden deflation and improves safety in case of a puncture.
Run Flat Tyres – Drive to Safety
Run flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls that temporarily support the weight of your vehicle in the event of a puncture. This allows you to continue driving to a safe location or a fitment centre without immediately changing the tyre.
The driving range and speed limits for run flat tyres vary by manufacturer and tread pattern.
Run Flat Tyre Markings by Brand
Different tyre manufacturers use specific symbols to indicate run flat technology:
- Dunlop: DSST (Dunlop Self-Supporting Technology)
- Goodyear: EMT (Goodyear Extended Mobility Tyre)
- Hankook: HRFS (Hankook RunFlat System)
- BMW: RSC (Runflat System Component)
- Pirelli: SSRF (Self-Supporting Run Flat)
- Continental: SSR (Self-Supporting Runflat)
- Michelin: ZP (Zero Pressure) or PAX (Older Run Flat System)
- Yokohama: ZPS (Zero Pressure System)
Not sure if your vehicle is equipped with run flat tyres? Visit your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre store for assistance.
