How to read a tyre size: what does 205/55 R16 91V mean?

To give you a quote we need one thing only: your tyre size. It is moulded on the sidewall in large characters. Here is how to read it, using the most common example: 205/55 R16 91V.

The five parts of the size

Marking	What it is	In the example
205	The tyre width, in millimetres	205 mm wide
55	The sidewall height, as a percentage of the width	55% of 205 mm, about 113 mm
R	The construction: R for radial (all car tyres today)	—
16	The rim diameter, in inches	16-inch rim
91V	The load index (91) and the speed rating (V)	615 kg per tyre, 240 km/h maximum

The width, the profile and the rim diameter must be exactly those specified for your vehicle, or an equivalent approved by the manufacturer. A wider or taller tyre can rub in the wheel arch and throw off the speedometer.

Load and speed ratings

The load index gives the maximum weight each tyre can carry; the speed rating, the maximum speed it is designed for. You may choose ratings equal to or higher than the original ones, never lower.

Load index	Weight per tyre
82	475 kg
87	545 kg
91	615 kg
94	670 kg
98	750 kg
100	800 kg
104	900 kg

Speed rating	Maximum speed
Q	160 km/h
T	190 km/h
H	210 km/h
V	240 km/h
W	270 km/h
Y	300 km/h

For winter tyres, French rules tolerate a speed rating lower than the original, provided it is at least “Q” (160 km/h) and a sticker showing the maximum speed is placed in the cabin. In practice we offer winter tyres with the right rating: simpler.

Other useful markings

• 3PMSF (a three-peak mountain with a snowflake): winter-approved tyre, the one required by the Mountain Law.
• M+S: “mud and snow”. On its own it has not been enough for the Mountain Law since 1 November 2024.
• XL or Reinforced: reinforced tyre, for heavy cars and vans.
• C after the diameter (e.g. 215/65 R16 C): van tyre.
• RF, ROF, RFT, SSR, ZP: run-flat tyre, which can be driven flat for a few kilometres. Tell us at booking.
• A star, MO, N0, AO, RO1: manufacturer approval (BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi). Recommended, not compulsory, on those cars.
• DOT … 3425: the last four digits give the date of manufacture, week then year. 3425 = week 34 of 2025.

Where to find the right size if the current tyres are not original

A sticker in the driver’s door opening, or inside the fuel flap, lists the sizes specified by the manufacturer and the pressures. The owner’s manual gives them too. If in doubt, send us the registration number: we check the approved sizes.

The easiest way: a photo

Take a photo of a tyre sidewall with the size readable and send it to us on WhatsApp. We read the size, check it matches your vehicle and send you three tyre options, all inclusive, fitted at your door.