Know-how
There's more to your tyres than meets the eye. They're the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so take a look at our short guides.
Why change your tyres at 3mm?
Why is tyre inflation important?
What is an EU Tyre Label?
Why use winter tyres?
How to read your tyre markings
When looking to buy a new tyre for your vehicle it helps if you know your tyre size. You will find this written on the side of your tyre:
The tyre size, speed and load rating in the above example is 205/55 R 16 91V
What does this mean?
- 205 Tyre width in millimetres
- 55 Height of the sidewall shown as a percentage of the tyre width i.e. 55% of 205 mm
- R Code for the tyre construction (R = Radial tyre)
- 16 Rim diameter in inches
- 91 Load Index of the tyre, indicating max. approved load
- V Speed index of the tyre, indicating max. approved speed
(V = up to 150 mph, W = up to 168 mph, ZR within the size designation = over 150 mph)
Matador. A brand of Continental.
