A complete guide to car tyre markings

Car tyre markings are a sort of repository of knowledge for every driver – just like a product label for the consumer. Some of the names, symbols, strings of numbers and letters found on the side of the tyre may seem rather enigmatic at first glance, but understanding them will dispel any doubts. Let us present a complete guide explaining various tyre markings.

To say it all and make it easier to visualise what can actually be found on the sidewall of your tyre, we have created a clear, interactive graphic that allows you to quickly check the relevant tyre marking. In the article, we will go through all the mentioned markings and briefly explain their meaning.

These tyre markings are the most frequently asked about

Tyre size designations and particular ratings are the ones that can be considered a priority. They inform us whether a particular tyre type will be suitable not only for our vehicle, but also our needs. There is growing interest in the Run-Flat tyre marking and individual homologations.

SIZE

EU-standardised sequence of numbers and letters that allows to learn the parameters of a given tyre type, compatible rim size and defined ratings (load and speed). Knowing them helps minimise the risk of choosing tyres that are not right for your vehicle.

Tire size

SPEED RATING

Speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which a given tyre can be driven. It is worth knowing that for winter tyres it is acceptable to use a lower speed rating than that recommended by the manufacturer.

LOAD INDEX

Indicates the maximum load allowed on one tyre when travelling at its maximum speed. It is absolutely forbidden to use tyres with a lower load index than the one recommended for your car model.

Sample parametres

RUN FLAT

The Run Flat tyre marking indicates a wheel type which, in the event of a puncture and pressure drop, allows you to continue driving safely. In such a case it is not recommended to drive over 80 km/h and more than a distance of 80 km.

Tyres with the EMT(Extended Mobility Tyre) marking also allow you to continue your journey, even after a complete loss of pressure.

APPROVAL

The automotive industry provides a broad understanding of this concept. It refers to a specially marked group of tyres manufactured for use in specific car models as part of their original specification (the so-called vehicle type approval). According to this principle, the tyres must meet the design intent and required standards in line with the capabilities of the vehicles concerned.

Sample markings

A permission to use the tyres in a particular country is also referred to as homologation. The E (or e, ECE) marking on the tyre indicates the model approved for use in Europe, and the number that follows it indicates the country of manufacture.

Sample markings

Alphabetical index of tyre markings

B

BasePen – a marking found on a tyre that has electrostatic grounding (a groove in the centre of the tread contains a silica compound that dissipates static electricity).

BSW/BW (Black Sidewall) – a designation relating to the appearance of the tyres, indicating the black lettering on the tyres found on the sidewall.

BLT (Raised Black Letters) – a designation relating to the appearance of the tyres, indicating the black raised letters found on the sidewall.

C

C – marking for commercial tyres that are specially reinforced to withstand heavier loads and higher pressures.

Cold – information for users to check the pressure when the tyres are cold.

D

DOT (Department of Transportation) –  a symbol on the tyre indicating that its properties comply with the safety standards required by the US Department of Transportation. Next to this marking there is a 12-character identification code, which indicates the production plant where the tyre was manufactures, tyre size and production date (last four digits).

Sample DOT marking

F

FP (Fringe Protector) – a marking of Goodyear tyres, which are equipped with a special rim protection flange that protects against mechanical damage caused, for example, by rubbing against a kerb.

FR (Felgen Ripen) – a marking of Continental tyres, which are equipped with a special rim protection flange to protect the rim against mechanical damage caused, for example, by rubbing against a kerb.

G

G1 –  a special marking on the tyre to indicate that it is fitted with a pressure monitoring sensor.

I

INSIDE – a marking found on asymmetrical car tyres indicating the fitting side of the tyre. When installed correctly, it should be found on the inside of the vehicle.

L

LB (Letters Blanches) – a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the white letters found on the sidewall.

LRR (Low Rolling Resistance) – a marking denoting tyre parameters – optimised rolling resistance due to the rubber compound used. This abbreviation can be found on the brand's models, among others. Dunlop and Michelin.

LT (Light Truck) – a marking (used in the USA) indicating that the tyre is designed for 4x4 vehicles and light trucks. This marking precedes the tyre size indication.

M

MAX – this marking on the tyre, along with the corresponding numerical values, informs the driver of the maximum inflation pressure.

MFS (Maximum Flange Shield) – a tyre's MFS is nothing more than a special rim flange that protects the rim against mechanical damage caused, for example, by rubbing against a kerb.

M+S (Mud and Snow) – a marking found on winter, all-season and even summer tyres indicating that (according to the manufacturer) these tyre types are suitable for driving in mild winter conditions (mainly on muddy and snowy surfaces).

M+S designation

O

ORBL (Outline Raised Black Letters) –a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the black outline of the letters found on the sidewall.

ORWL/ROWL (Outline Raised White Letters) – a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the white outline of the letters found on the sidewall.

OWL (Outlined White Lettering) –  a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the white letters found on the sidewall.

OUTSIDE – a marking on asymmetrical car tyres indicating the fitting side of the tyre. When installed correctly, it should be found on the outside of the vehicle.

P

P (Passanger) –  the letter preceding the marking indicating tyre size. Used in the USA. The marking denotes a model designed for passenger cars.

PAX – the equivalent of Run Flat tyres. The PAX marking used by Michelin indicates a model with a special ring inside the tyre. This system allows to continue driving after a puncture (for a maximum of 200 km with a maximum speed not exceeding 80 km/h).

R

R (Radial) – tyres marked with this letter have a radial design. In their structure, the cord plies are arranged parallel to the tyre crown axis.

RBL (Raised Black Letters) – a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the black letters found on the sidewall.

RF, REF, RFD, REINF (Reinforced) – these abbreviations indicate a reinforced tyre with increased load capacity (bearing capacity). Their meaning is similar to that found on XL tyre type.

RFP (Rim Fringe Protector) – a marking found on Goodyear tyres that have a special rim flange to protect the rim against mechanical damage caused, for example, by rubbing against a kerb.

ROTATION – a marking found on directional tyres. This inscription always appears with an arrow, indicating the tyre’s forward direction.

"ROTATION" marking on the tire sidewall

RRBL (Recessed Raised Black Letters) – a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the black concave letters found on the sidewall.

RWL (Raised White Letters) – a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the white letters found on the sidewall.

S

SI (Speed Index) – a designation indicating the upper limit of the permitted speed.

T

TL (Tubeless Tyre) – tyre marking denoting the absence of a tube inside (tubeless). This is currently the most popular tyre type that has dominated the tyre market.

TT (Tubed Type Tyre) – the TT tyre marking indicates a type fitted with a traditional inner tube. Nowadays, such tyre type is a rarity due to the widespread use of tubeless tyres.

U

ULW – tyre design that uses aramid cords. Aramid inlays make the tyres more resistant to mechanical damage.

V

VR lub oznaczenie opon ZR –indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can be operated at the admissible full load (VR – up to 210 km/h, ZR – up to 240 km/h). This indication is included in the character string indicating the tyre size.

W

WW/WSW (White Side Wall) – a marking denoting tyre appearance, indicating the white side wall.

X

XL (Extra Load) – the XL marking refers to the tyre's reinforced design and increased load capacity. Such tyre type is used in cars with a powerful engine and more torque.

Other tyre markings

3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflakes) – pursuant to the EU directive, it is a marking found on winter tyres, but also all-season tyres, also known as the Alpine symbol. It indicates that these tyre types have passed rigorous performance tests on icy and snowy surfaces.

Three-Peak Mountain Snowflakes marking.

‘–’ - a marking denoting bias tyres, i.e. those featuring characteristically alternating cords (at an angle of 20-40 degrees). These tyres are used in off-road and industrial vehicles, as well as in agricultural machinery.

American tyre designations – what can we say about them?

Thanks to UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) car tyre markings, we know which types come from the US market. Although they are not officially in force on our continent, they should only be taken as an indication.

This type of markings can be found on the sidewall of the tyre in the form of inscriptions with specific values.

TREADWEAR – the tread’s resistance to wearing down

To explain this concept, it is necessary to bring up the definition of a comparison tyre first. It is a standardised model whose parameters correspond to the TREADWEAR 100 rating. Values in multiples of 20 may appear on models going on sale (60 - 80 - 100 - 120 - ... 200 ... 800). The tyres to be tested are mounted on a specially prepared car together with 100-rating tyres – and wear is then compared. Its level is measured every 800 miles (1,287 km), and the tyres are switched (rotated) accordingly. Based on measurement results, the tyres receive ratings such as 60, 100, 200 or 400.

For example, if a given tyre type receives a rating of 60, its theoretical life is 60% of that of the comparison tyre (with a rating of 100).

TRACTION – tyre grip on a wet road

This marking informs the driver of the tyre's ability to stop the car on a wet surface. AA is the highest rating and lower values are described by letters B and C.

Calculating the value of the TRACTION parameter takes place on an asphalt or concrete track under strictly defined conditions. The test car accelerates to 65 km/h and then brakes. During the test, the vehicle’s ABS is disabled.

In Europe, the lowest acceptable TRACTION value is A. Those preferring a dynamic and aggressive driving style are recommended to select tyres with the AA rating. The B and C ratings are only acceptable in the USA and it is better to avoid purchasing such tyres in Europe. It should also be noted that the TRACTION marking does not indicate tyre grip on a dry road, while turning, or resistance to hydroplaning.

TEMPERATURE – tyre resistance to overheating

The last of the UTQG markings is TEMPERATURE and it indicates the tyre's resistance to overheating. In order to assign an appropriate rating (A, B and C are possible, where A is the best value), 30-minute test drives are carried out at different speeds:

A – 115 mph (185 km/h),

B – 100 mph (160 km/h),

C – 85 mph (136 km/h).

TRACTION (grip) and TEMPERATURE (resistance to overheating) markings in Europe should be at least A. TREADWEAR (wear resistance) will help you choose tyres with a longer lifespan.