The sidewall symbol mystery explained
Ever wondered what all those symbols are on the side of your tyre; wonder no more...
Decrypting your tyre
The sidewall of a modern tyre contains a multitude of figures, letters and symbols which, to the untrained eye, it can appear to be completely confusing. And yet all of this information is valuable and necessary and in some instances very useful for the motorist.
Tyre wear indicators
For instance, you can tell the age of a tyre, and how you can check if a tyre is below the legal minimum tread depth, without the need for a tread depth indicator, these are the TWI (Tread Wear Indicators) which are blocks of rubber set in the tread at 1.6mm. if they are even with the tread, the tyre is illegal.
Tyre Sidewall Markings
The sidewall markings chart for a passenger car and van:
1. Tyre brand name
2. Pattern or model code
3. Tyre size
4. Service description (load index and speed symbol)
5. ECE or EEC type approval number (C&U regulations stipulate all tyres used in the UK must carry an E number)
6. ECE noise approval
7. North American recall number
8. Date of manufacture code. Four numbers, the first two determine the week of manufacture from 01 (January) to 52 (January) the second two the year of manufacture e.g. 03 (2003).
9. UTQG quality rating. An USA requirement, has no significance in the UK or Europe.
10. Maximum permitted load. A USA requirement, as above
11. Maximum permitted inflation pressure. A USA requirement, as above.
12. Denotes tubeless construction.
13. Safety warning.
14. Direction of rotation. (Directional or Composite tyres).
15. Rim fitment instruction (Asymmetrical or Composite tyres)
16. Denotes extra load tyre construction
16a Denotes reinforced tyre construction Position of tread wear indicators (TWI)
We Can Help You Choose The Right Tyre
Tyres are essential for keeping your car safe and performing at its best, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where our informative articles come in – we're here to help you navigate the world of tyres and make the best choice for your specific needs.
Whether you're considering upgrading to Premium car tyres for enhanced driving dynamics, run flat car tyres for added peace of mind, or trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres, Protyre can help. Our articles have got you covered with a wide range of tyre-related topics to help you make informed decisions.
The brand you choose matters too. We offer recommendations for trusted names such as BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres. But our articles don't just focus on choosing the right tyres – we also offer practical advice for maintaining them. From simple tips like checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres inflated to the proper pressure, to more advanced topics like extending tyre life through regular rotation and balancing - we've got you covered! Dive in and discover everything you need to know to keep your car running smoothly and safely with Protyre.