At first glance the lettering on the side of a tyre might look complicated. However once you break it down it makes a lot more sense and explains the exact size and specifications of your tyre .                                                                  

205/45 R16 83 V                                                                                                 construction

205 refers to the overall width of the tyre                      Width             Profile                Size          Load       

shown in millimetres.                                                                                                                                                        Speed

45 refers to the profile of the tyre. It is the                                                                                                                   

height of the tyre shown as a percentage of 

the width, this is also known as the aspect ratio.

The letter R shows that it is of radial 

construction. Virtually all tyres are made this

way today. Due to the superior qualities of 

radial construction over crossply construction.

The Number 16 relates to the tyre size. It is

the inner diameter of the tyre shown in inches.

The letter V relates to the speed rating of the

Tyre. It is the speed at which the vehicle can travel carrying the load which corresponds with its  its load index  As the chart to the right shows V is limited to 149 MPH.

83 Refers to the load index of the tyre 

The load index is a numerical code, which corresponds to the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed shown by its speed symbol, under specific conditions that is. In this tyres case 487 kg  See below our load index table.