Tyre markings explained

The dimension of the tyre is defined by numbers and a letter, as shown here in yellow.

Note that these characters are sometimes accompanied by additional letters that indicate the recommended use of the tyre.

Example : 91 V

On the sidewall of your tyre you will find a number followed by a letter.
The tyre load rating or load index (in our example: 91) is a code which corresponds to a maximum load (in kg) that can be carried by a single tyre.
The tyre speed rating  (in our example: V)  is a code which corresponds to the maximum speed at which a tyre can carry its maximum load.

You will find a table of correspondence between these codes and their values in our article on load and speed ratings. These ratings are important information, as is tyre size, especially when considering choosing new tyres for your car.

This is quite easy. The manufacturer's brand name is always showing on the sidewall, as is the range of the tyre.
In this picture, MICHELIN and our Michelin Man are clearly visible and the name "Pilot Sport ⁴ ˢ" refers to the range of the tyre.

There are markings on the sidewall of the tyre (MAXLOAD and MAX PRESS) that indicate the maximum load and the maximum pressure of the tyre. However, these are not necessarily the load and pressure values for your vehicle.
To ensure that your tyres perform correctly on your vehicle, you must refer to the inflation pressures recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. These can normally be found in your owner's manual or on the sticker in the driver's door or fuel filler cap.
Know more about how to check tyre pressure.

The tyre date code appears in the TIN (Tyre Identification Numbers) field, where other tyre markings are present.
The first codes are for the US market requirements. The date code appears at the end, with four numbers.

"DOT" means that the tyre meets the Department of Transportation’s requirements.

The other codes are:

1. The factory Code
2. The size Code
3. An optional Code
4. The week and year of manufacture (example: 4714)

The first two numbers designate the week and the last two numbers, the year of production. In this example, the tyre date code indicates 4714,  which means that the tyre was manufactured  in the 47th week of the year 2014.

Note that this marking only appears on one side of the tyre. Depending on the direction of rotation, it will therefore be visible if it is on the outside of the tyre and invisible if it is on the inside.

As for the end of the tyre's life, the only indicator is its wear. This can be measured with the help of wear indicators.

1 - Snowy mountain
A logo consisting of a mountain of 3 peaks with a snowflake may be present on your tyre. This is the three peak mountain snowflake or 3PMSF label: the most recent standard for winter or snow tyres. It guarantees a minimum level of winter performance because there is an objective test for tyres marked in this way. This logo on your tyre ensures that it is considered as recommended equipment to access areas under regulation such as ski resorts, for example.

For winter certified tyres (M+S and/or 3PMSF marking), the speed capacity may be lower than that of the original summer tyres.  Therefore, if necessary, the vehicle speed must be limted accordingly with winter tyres fitted. In some countries, for example where the theoretical speed limit for the car may be above the speed limit of the tyres, a sticker showing this lower speed may be required inside the vehicle, clearly visible to the driver.