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Maintenance and tyres , Safety and breakdowns · Обновлено 2026-10-15

Tyre basics and sizes

Tyres are the only part of the car that touches the road, so their condition affects braking, handling and safety. This guide explains how to read the markings on a tyre and how to look after it.

Reading the size marking

A typical marking looks like 205/55 R16 91V. Here is what each part means.

• 205: the width of the tyre in millimetres.
• 55: the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
• R: radial construction, the usual type today.
• 16: the wheel diameter in inches.
• 91: the load index, a code for the maximum load one tyre can carry.
• V: the speed index, a letter for the maximum speed the tyre is designed for.

Always fit the sizes and indexes allowed for your car, as listed in the owner's manual or on the sticker in the door frame.

The DOT date code

On the sidewall you will find the letters DOT followed by a code. The last four digits show when the tyre was made: the first two are the week and the last two are the year. For example, 2422 means week 24 of 2022. Check this date, especially when buying used or old-stock tyres.

Tread depth

Tread channels clear water from under the tyre. As the tread wears, grip on wet roads drops noticeably. Most tyres have wear indicators in the grooves, small raised bars that show when the tyre is near its limit. Check the depth in several places across the tyre and replace tyres well before the legal minimum in your area, particularly if you drive in rain or snow.

Summer, winter and all-season

• Summer tyres give the best grip and braking on warm, dry and wet roads, but harden and lose grip in the cold.
• Winter tyres use a softer compound and a different tread that stay flexible in low temperatures and on snow or ice.
• All-season tyres are a compromise, convenient for mild climates, but not as good as specialist tyres at the extremes.

Pressure

Check pressure about once a month and before long trips, with cold tyres. Use the values given for your car, not the maximum printed on the tyre. Too low pressure wears the edges, overheats the tyre and wastes fuel. Too high pressure reduces grip and wears the centre.

Ageing and replacement

Rubber ages even when the tyre is rarely used. Look for cracks in the sidewall, bulges, cuts or embedded objects. Many experts suggest being cautious with tyres that are many years old, even if the tread looks fine. When replacing, fitting tyres in pairs on the same axle is the minimum, and the newer tyres are best placed on the rear axle for stability. Matching all four is ideal.

Safety Tyres Winter