Locating Your Tyre Size

Understanding the numbers and letters on your tyre sidewall. Use our interactive guide below.

📍 How to Find Your Tyre Size

The best way to find your tyre size is by examining the sidewall of your current tyres. Look for a code like 205/55R16 91V - it contains all the essential information about your tyre's dimensions and capabilities.

Important: Check both front and rear tyres to confirm if your vehicle has staggered fitment (different front/rear sizes). This is common on European performance cars.

Tyre Width

Width

The section width of the tyre in millimetres, measured from inner sidewall to outer sidewall at the widest point.

Example: 205 means the tyre is 205 mm wide.
Tyre Profile / Aspect Ratio

Profile

Indicates the ratio of the tyre's height to its width as a percentage. Low profile tyres have smaller aspect ratios.

Example: 55 means the height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter

Rim Diameter

The diameter of the wheel rim in inches that this tyre is designed to fit. This must match your wheel size exactly.

Example: R16 means the tyre fits a 16-inch rim. "R" stands for radial construction.
Load Index

Load Index

A numerical code indicating the maximum weight each tyre can safely support. Never fit a tyre with a lower load index than specified for your vehicle.

Example: 91 = 615 kg per tyre. Common values: 87=545 kg · 91=615 kg · 95=690 kg · 100=800 kg.
Speed Rating

Speed Rating

A letter code indicating the maximum sustained speed the tyre is designed for. Always match or exceed your vehicle's required speed rating.

H=210 km/h  ·  V=240 km/h  ·  W=270 km/h  ·  Y=300 km/h
Special Markings

Special Markings

Tyres include various special markings that provide important information about their specifications and vehicle compatibility.

OD refers to the overall diameter of the unloaded tyre in mm. Type definitions include special markings like RFT (Run Flat Technology) and LRR (Low Rolling Resistance).

Tread Wear & UTQG Ratings

UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) includes three ratings:

  • Treadwear: Comparative rating of a tyre's wear rate. Higher numbers indicate longer tread life.
  • Traction: Rated AA, A, B, or C (AA is best) for a tyre's ability to stop on wet surfaces.
  • Temperature: Rated A, B, or C (A is best) for a tyre's resistance to heat buildup.
"500 A A" means 500 treadwear, A traction, A temperature

Understanding DOT Codes

The DOT code on your tyre sidewall contains important manufacturing information:

  • First 2-3 characters: Manufacturing plant code
  • Next 5-7 characters: Tyre size and specification
  • Last 4 digits: Date of manufacture (week/year)
"2519" means manufactured in the 25th week of 2019

When to Replace Your Tyres

Consider replacing your tyres when:

  • Tread depth is below 1.6mm (legal minimum in Australia)
  • Visible damage like cuts, bulges, or cracks appears
  • Uneven wear patterns develop across the tread
  • Tyres are more than 5–6 years old (even with good tread)
  • Vehicle handling feels compromised or unstable

Common Tyre Types & Their Uses

 

All-SeasonGood year-round performance in moderate conditions
Summer / PerformanceExcellent grip and handling in dry/wet conditions
All-TerrainBalanced on-road comfort with off-road capability
Mud-TerrainMaximum off-road traction in challenging conditions
Highway TerrainDesigned for SUVs and 4WDs used primarily on-road
Run-FlatCan be driven on temporarily after loss of pressure