What do the numbers on tires mean?
Tire marks offer important technical details about the tire and are molded into the sidewall. They let you determine the tire type, brand, range, maximum load and speed ratings, and any other performance or legal indications.
When changing tires, these markings are crucial since they assist guarantee that the new tire satisfies the specifications set forth by the car manufacturer.
How to read a tire size
The tire size is defined by a sequence of numbers and letters that describe the tire’s dimensions and construction. These characters may also be accompanied by additional letters that indicate the recommended use of the tire.
Common tire type prefixes
P: Passenger car
LT: Light truck
C: Commercial van tire
XL / HL / Reinforced: Tires with higher load capacity than standard tires of the same size
T: Temporary (spare tire)
Tires with reinforced markings must be replaced with an equivalent specification.
How to read tire width and aspect ratio
Example: 205 / 55
205: Nominal section width of the tire, measured in millimetres
55: Aspect ratio, representing the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire’s width
These values help ensure that the tire fits correctly on the wheel and within the vehicle’s wheel well.
How to read tire construction type and wheel diameter
Example: R 17
R: Radial construction
17: Wheel diameter in inches
Michelin invented radial architecture, which blends flexible sidewalls with a sturdy tread structure. Reduced rolling resistance, comfort, and longevity are all supported by this design.
How to read the maximum load and speed of a tire
Example: 91 V
On the tire sidewall, a number followed by a letter indicates the tire’s service description.
Load rating (91): The maximum load a single tire can carry when properly inflated
Speed rating (V): The maximum speed at which the tire can carry that load under specified conditions
These ratings are standardized and must meet or exceed the values specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Learn more about how these ratings work in our guide to tire load and speed ratings.
How to identify the brand name and tire range
The sidewall always displays the brand name and tire range of the tire manufacturer.
For instance, a moniker like Pilot Sport 4 S denotes the tire line, whereas MICHELIN indicates the brand. This data aids in differentiating performance attributes among a manufacturer's product line.
How to identify the type of tire
TUBELESS: Indicates that the tire does not require an inner tube
TUBE TYPE: Indicates that an inner tube is required
Tubeless tires are generally lighter and may offer improved reliability, as there is no tube that can be damaged during use.
How to read tire pressure markings
The maximum load and maximum inflation pressure that a tire is intended to withstand are indicated by sidewall markings like MAX LOAD and MAX PRESS. The recommended operating pressure for your car is not these numbers.
Always consult the owner's manual or the vehicle tire placard for the optimum inflation pressure set by the vehicle manufacturer to guarantee optimal performance.
How to read a tire date code
The tire date code appears within the DOT (Department of Transportation) marking on the sidewall.
The first two digits indicate the week of manufacture
The last two digits indicate the year of manufacture
For example, 4714 means the tire was manufactured in the 47th week of 2014. Tire age alone does not determine serviceability; tread wear remains the primary indicator.
How do I know if a tire has reached its maximum wear level?
Tires feature built-in treadwear indicators, which are raised bars located in the tread grooves. When the tread surface reaches the same level as these indicators, the tire has reached the minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm (2/32").
On Michelin tires, treadwear indicators are marked by the Michelin Man symbol on the sidewall to help locate them easily.
Tire markings explained – Snowy Mountain and M+S
3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake): The 3PMSF symbol indicates that a tire meets objective testing requirements for winter performance. Tires with this marking are recognized for use in regulated winter driving conditions.
M+S (Mud and Snow): M+S markings indicate that the tire is designed for mud and snow conditions according to the manufacturer. However, this marking alone does not require standardized winter performance testing.
Only tires marked 3PMSF guarantee verified winter performance.
OE (Original Equipment) markings
Some cars have tires made especially for the brand or model. The OE designations on these tires indicate that they were created and authorized for original fitting.
Handling, comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and system compatibility may all be taken into consideration by OE marks. When appropriate, Michelin advises swapping out OE-marked tires for ones with the same OE specifications.
FAQ
How to Read Tire Sidewall Markings
Tire sidewall markings follow a standardized format that includes tire size, construction type, load rating, and speed rating. Each number or letter corresponds to a specific technical characteristic, helping identify whether a tire is suitable for a vehicle. Refer to our guide above for details.
Tire markings are molded into the tire sidewall. Recommended tire specifications can also be found on the vehicle tire placard, usually located on the driver’s door pillar, and in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Yes. Tires with the same dimensions may have different load ratings or speed ratings. When replacing tires, it is important to ensure that both ratings meet or exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
M+S (Mud and Snow) indicates that a tire is designed for use in mud or snow conditions according to the manufacturer. The 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol means the tire has met objective testing standards for verified winter performance.
An OE (Original Equipment) marking indicates that a tire was specifically developed and approved for a particular vehicle manufacturer or model. Michelin recommends replacing OE-marked tires with the same OE specification when applicable.
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