Nominal width of tire in mm
Aspect ratio of the tire in % (example: tires of series 45)
Example 1:
Type of construction (radial)
Rim diameter in inches
Load index, e.g. "91" for 615 kg max. load capacity
Tires with a lower load index than assigned to the respective model
must not be used.
Speed symbol, e.g. "W" for maximum speed up to 270 km/h
Tires with symbols for speeds lower than allowed for the particular model must not be used.
225/
45
R
17
91
W
For the designation of tires as per ECE directive, with the exception of ZR tires (see example 2), the
speed symbol for the permissible maximum speed is specified after the tire size.
Example 2:
Nominal width of tire in mm
Aspect ratio of the tire in % (example: tires of series 45)
"Z" speed symbol greater than 240 km/h
"R" code letter for radial tire in radial version
Rim diameter in inches
225/
45
ZR
17
Nominal width of tire in mm
Aspect ratio of the tire in % (example: tires of series 75)
Example 3: commercial vehicle
Type of construction (radial)
Rim diameter in inches
Load index, e.g. "107" for 975 kg max. load capacity The first load index specification applies to single tires, the second to dual tires. Tires with a lower load index than allowed for the particular model must not be used.
Speed symbol, e.g. "R" for maximum speeds up to 170 km/h
Tires with symbols for speeds lower than allowed for the particular model must not be used.
195/
75
R
C
107/105
R
16
Carrier
P40.10-5092-01
Other important identifications
1 Tire manufacturer with tire designation, e.g. Pirelli P ZERO ROSSO MO
2 Radial, designation for radial tires
3 Tubeless, tubeless tires
4 DOT certificate from US Department of Transportation
5 Date of manufacture
The four-digit code or production code as per the DOT letter sequence and numerical sequence specifies the manufacture date, e.g. 0907 = 9th week in the year 2007 (number 1 and 2 = production week, number 3 and 4 = the last digits of the year of manufacture).
M + S = slush and snow tires (winter tires)
All other designations are USA identification specifications.
The speed symbol "W" has been added to the usual speed symbols "Q/R/S/T/H/V/VR/ZR". This symbol identifies tires that have been approved for speeds up to a maximum speed of
270 km/h.
When installing new tires, these tires can be used as a replacement for "VR" and "ZR" tires. An entry in the registration papers is not necessary.
The speed symbol "Y" has also been added. This symbol identifies tires that have been approved for speeds up to a maximum speed of over 270 km/h.