TYRE SIZES MARKINGS

What does all the writing on the sidewall of a tyre mean? It can be frustrating if you don’t understand, but at Conti Partner we will explain this to you very simply:

Below is a list of the different meanings:

  1. The tyre brand – Continental
  2. The style of the tyre – ContiEcoContact CP
  3. Tyre size marking 205/55 R15 – This indicates that the tyre is 205mm wide, the Aspect Ratio, ie the height of the tyre from the wheel rim to the centre of the tread when viewed from the side is 55% of the width of the tyre. The ‘R’ indicates the design of the tyre, and the 15 indicates that the tyre fits on a 15 inch wheel rim.
  4. Load Index and Speed Symbol – 87V  This is the tyres carrying capacity at a specific maximum speed. 87 indicates 545kg at V speed symbol of 240km/h
  5. Tubeless – if the tyre does not say ‘Tubeless’ it has to have a tube in it.
  6. E4 the European mark of approval – All passenger tyres in South Africa have to have ‘E’ markings
  7. The number for the ‘E’ mark
  8. The DOT code markings indicating the tyre size, style, plant of manufacture, and the date of manufacture
  9. DOT for Department Of Transport – USA
  10. TWI – Tread Wear Indicators – set at 1,6mm – when a tyre wears down to them, it must be replaced.
  11. Country of manufacture – Made in Germany
  12. Maximum load rating of the tyre in lbs. and kg.- 545kg or 1201lbs.
  13. Maximum permissible inflation pressure – 300 kPa or 44 psi.
  14. The number and type of plies in the tread and sidewall – Tread 4 plies – 1 Rayon + 2 Steel + 2 Nylon. This indicates that the tyre has 1 Rayon Body ply, then 2 Steel belts and then 2 Nylon cap plies built into the tread area. Sidewall – 1 Rayon – this is the 1 Rayon body ply in the tyre.
  15. The USA Federal Ratings – Treadwear 280.  This is a relative wear rating of a given tyre when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test surface. This rating is specific within a brand of tyres and cannot be compared with other brands
  16. Traction A. The traction grade indicates the tyres ability to stop on a wet surface, as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces. The traction is based on straight ahead braking tests. It does not indicate cornering ability. Grade A is best level.
  17. Temperature A. The temperature grade indicates the tyres resistance to the build up of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on an indoor test wheel. Grade A indicates the best grade.