Road accidents can be caused by various factors such as driver’s negligence or vehicle damage. Most vehicle owners pay more attention to the condition of the engine. Unfortunately, many overlook the only part of the vehicle that comes in contact with the road surface: the tyres.
As a car user, you need to choose the right tyres for your car. This is because each tyre has a different code and function. So, to help you get the right tyre for your car, we share how to read the car tyre code in this article.
Car tyre code
Each tyre displays important information about the tyre, namely the type, size, load capacity, speed that can be accommodated, and the week and year of manufacture of the tyre.
The information provided can help you choose the right tyre for your car. But what is the meaning behind the numbers and the letters displayed on the tyre’s sidewall?
The following is the meaning of the tyre code:
| Tyre Code | Meaning |
| The first three numbers Example: 195 | The width of the tyre (mm) |
| The second set of numbers Example: 55 | The aspect ratio of the tyre by dividing the tyre’s height off the rim by its width (%) |
| Letter “R” | Radial structure |
| The next set of numbers Example: 16 | Rim diameter (inch) |
| The subsequent set of numbers Example: 87 | Load index (kg) |
| The final letter Example: V | Speed rating (km/h) |
Load index
| Load Index | Maximum Load (kg) |
|---|---|
| 62 | 265 |
| 63 | 272 |
| 64 | 280 |
| 65 | 290 |
| 66 | 300 |
| 67 | 307 |
| 68 | 315 |
| 69 | 325 |
| 70 | 335 |
| 71 | 345 |
| 72 | 355 |
| 73 | 365 |
| 74 | 375 |
| 75 | 387 |
| 76 | 400 |
| 77 | 412 |
| 78 | 425 |
| 79 | 437 |
| 80 | 450 |
| 81 | 462 |
| 82 | 475 |
| 83 | 487 |
| 84 | 500 |
| 85 | 515 |
| 86 | 530 |
| 87 | 545 |
| 88 | 560 |
| 89 | 580 |
| 90 | 600 |
| 91 | 615 |
| 92 | 630 |
| 93 | 650 |
| 94 | 670 |
| 95 | 690 |
| 96 | 710 |
| 97 | 730 |
| 98 | 750 |
| 99 | 775 |
| 100 | 800 |
| 101 | 825 |
| 102 | 850 |
| 103 | 875 |
| 104 | 900 |
| 105 | 925 |
| 106 | 950 |
| 107 | 975 |
| 108 | 1000 |
| 109 | 1030 |
| 110 | 1060 |
| 111 | 1090 |
| 112 | 1120 |
| 113 | 1150 |
| 114 | 1180 |
| 115 | 1215 |
| 116 | 1250 |
| 117 | 1285 |
| 118 | 1320 |
| 119 | 1360 |
| 120 | 1400 |
| 121 | 1450 |
| 122 | 1500 |
| 123 | 1550 |
| 124 | 1600 |
| 125 | 1650 |
| 126 | 1700 |
Speed rating
| Speed Rating | Maximum Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|
| S | 180 |
| T | 190 |
| U | 200 |
| H | 210 |
| V | 240 |
| Z | 240+ |
| W | 270 |
| Y | 300 |
| (Y) | 300+ |
Based on the meaning of the above symbol, the following is the explanation of the tyre code: 175 / 65R1584H (175 /65 R 15 84 H)
| Tyre Code | Meaning |
| 175 | The tyre width is 175mm |
| 65 | The aspect ratio of the tyre is 65% |
| R | Radial |
| 15 | The diameter of the rim for the tyre is 15 inches |
| 84 | The maximum load of the tyre is 500kg |
| H | The maximum speed for the tyre usage is 210km/h |
In addition, all tyres sold in Malaysia must have a car tyre code that displays the week and year of manufacture of the tyre. An example is the code below: 2519.
Code 2519 on the side of the tyre above indicates the tyre was made in the 25th week of 2019.
Generally, the period of use of a tyre is 5 years from the date of manufacture. However, new tyres over 5 years old can still be used, but the rubber will become hard as the tyres have expired.
Therefore, if you want to get a new tyre, check the year of manufacture of the tyre before purchasing it. We advise you buy newly manufactured tyres so that your car tyres can last longer.
Check the car tyre code before buying a tyre
It is easy to understand a car tyre code, right?
By understanding the meaning of the tyre code, you can buy the right tyre for your car. For example, if the maximum speed level for the use of the tyre is 210km/h (H code), then the tyre is not suitable for your car if it has a speed limit of up to 300km/h. Besides, tyres driven over their speed limit can increase fuel consumption.
Moreover, choosing a tyre based on the right code can prevent you from being scammed by a seller. For example, a seller may put a high price on a tyre that has long been manufactured. If you first read and understand the tyre code, you can avoid this incident.
Aside from choosing the right tyres, you also need to maintain your car tyres according to the car tyre maintenance tips shared in our previous article.
We would also like to remind you to get the right car insurance. You may refer to our comprehensive guide on car insurance that we have provided. To renew car insurance online, visit Bjak and seamlessly compare a wide range of car insurance. Start by getting your free car insurance quotes today.
