Tyreshops, Hedge End, Southampton
Tel: 01489 787350 (Hedge End) 
Tel: 01489 885885 (Whiteley) 
red strip with grid
TYRES 
Understanding Tyre Sidewall Markings:  
(once you've read from 1 to 4, you can either call us, email us, drive in or fill in the form on this page for a tyre quotation)... 
 
1.Brand or trade name of the tyre - i.e. Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli etc. 
 
2.Tyre model or pattern code. For example Sport, Pilot, Eagle etc 
 
3.Tyre size - The width of the tread expressed in millimetres, which in this illustration is 205; the aspect ratio - height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width, in this case it is 55% of 205mm; and the diameter of the tyre's centre hole, expressed in inches. In this illustration, it is 16". The letter between the numbers is the type of construction i.e. ‘R' Radial. So this tyre is a 205/55 R 16 
 
4.Service description - in this example the figure 91 denotes the maximum weight capacity of the tyre according to the official load index table, which translates to 615 Kg, The letter V indicates the speed rating of the tyre, in this case the tyre suitable for cars capable of reaching a maximum vehicle speed of 149.1 mph. 
 
5.ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) Regulation 30 Conformity Approval Number - which means that the tyre meets the standards of the European Regulatory Authorities. 
 
6.EEC Noise Approval Number, which means that the noise generated by the tyre is within approved European limits. 
 
7.USA Department of Transport manufacturer's code. This has no relevance to the UK market 
 
8.Date of manufacture. This is important as the age of a tyre can affect its performance. The first 2 numbers refer to the week and the 3rd and 4th numbers refer to the year 
 
9.USA UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) ratings. This has no significance in the UK. 
 
10.USA maximum tyre loading. This has no significance in the UK 
 
11.USA maximum tyre inflation pressure. This has no significance in the UK 
 
12.Denotes tubeless construction 
 
13.Safety warning refers to the dangers of under-inflation/overloading and the mounting of tyres together with the risk of severe over - inflation. This is particularly important as TyreSafe research shows that up to three quarters of cars on UK roads have incorrectly inflated tyres 
 
14.Direction of rotation which relates to directional tyres only. These tyres are designed to rotate in one direction only which is indicated on the sidewall by an arrow. 
 
15.Outer/inner sidewall refers to the mounting of asymmetric tyres only. These tyres have different tread patterns on their inner and outer sides, offering improved performance, and must be fitted correctly. 
 
16.Extra load version where applicable 
 
17.TWI indicates the location of the tread wear indicators, which are raised areas at the base of the tread to serve as a visual warning that the tyre is approaching or at the minimum legal tread depth 
The Semperit range combines value for money with technical excellence and has the advantage of a lifetime accidental damage warranty. 
tyre chart
 
tyre with info
TYRE QUOTE FORM BELOW: 
 
 
 
 
Semperit logo & warranty
Ask about our Semperit Tyre Warranty 
tyre tread
 
Large stocks of tyres available 
tyre logos
Hedge End: Unit 8, Herald Industrial Estate, Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2JW. Tel: 01489 787350 
Whiteley: Unit 4, Fulcrum 1, Solent Way, Whiteley, Hampshire, PO15 7FE. Tel: 01489 885885 
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