How to read tires

Understanding how tire sizing functions is crucial before purchasing a new tire. As illustrated in the diagram below, all the necessary information can be found on the tire.

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Tire Sidewall

Load Index: the maximum carrying capacity of the tire, according to the load index table.
In this scenario 94 is related to 670kg as maximum load

Speed Rating: the maximum permissible speed for the tire.
As you can see from the table below, V stand for 240 km/h (150 mph)

Tire Size Designation: a tire of size 215/55R17 indicates a cross section width of 215mm, 55 indicates a height to width ratio of 55% (the ratio of tire side height to cross section width H/S) and R is the structural code for radial tires. 17 is the rim diameter, expressed in inches.

• 215: nominal tire section width
• 55: nominal aspect ratio
• R: radial constructor code
• 17: nominal rim diameter (in)
• 94: load index (load capacity 670kg)
• V: tire speed rating (V = Max operating speed 240km/h or 150 mph)

Tire Speed Rating

Speed rating indicates the optimal speed that the tire can safely maintain over time.It's the fastest speed a tire can handle before it no longer performs as designed. The higher the speed rating, the better control and handling you'll have at higher speeds.