How to Read
Your Tyre Size
The markings on your tyre sidewall tell you its size, construction, load capacity and speed rating. Use this guide to understand what each number and letter means.
Tyres Decoded
Your tyre size appears as a sequence of numbers and letters on the sidewall. Each part provides important information about the tyre and whether it is suitable for your vehicle.
Found your size? Buy tyres online in that size at online-only prices, then book a fitting at your local Advantage store.
Width
How wide the tyre is (in mm).
Wider tyres can give more grip, but may use a bit more fuel.
Profile
How tall the sidewall is compared to the width.
Higher profile = more comfort.
Lower profile = sharper handling.
Construction
This tells you how the tyre is built.
Most modern tyres are radial (R) — the standard for everyday vehicles, utes, tractors, and most farm and road use.
You may also see:
Bias (B) – A tougher, stiffer tyre often used on trailers and older farm equipment.
Bias belted (BB) – A less common option that sits between bias and radial.
Rim Size
The size of the wheel the tyre fits onto (in inches).
It has to match properly — no shortcuts here.
Load Index
How much weight the tyre can safely carry.
Important for utes, trailers, and loaded vehicles.
Speed Rating
The maximum safe speed the tyre is designed for.
Most road tyres are well above normal driving speeds.
Load Index
What does my tyre’s load index mean?
The load index indicates the maximum weight capacity of a tyre at its full speed, considering proper installation, inflation, and tyre condition. To help you better understand, we have provided a comprehensive table below showcasing the load index and the corresponding maximum load per tyre. Trust Advantage Tyre to ensure your tyres are equipped to handle the demands of your vehicle.
| Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Load Index | Max Load (kg) |
| 60 | 250 | 85 | 515 | 110 | 1060 | 135 | 2180 | 160 | 4500 | 185 | 9250 |
| 61 | 257 | 86 | 530 | 111 | 1090 | 136 | 2240 | 161 | 4625 | 186 | 9500 |
| 62 | 265 | 87 | 545 | 112 | 1120 | 137 | 2300 | 162 | 4720 | 187 | 9750 |
| 63 | 272 | 88 | 560 | 113 | 1150 | 138 | 2360 | 163 | 4875 | 188 | 10000 |
| 64 | 280 | 89 | 580 | 114 | 1180 | 139 | 2430 | 164 | 5000 | 189 | 10300 |
Tyre Speed Symbol
What does my tyre’s speed symbol mean?
The Speed Index, the last letter on your tyre, reveals the maximum speed it can handle without compromising performance. It’s a secret code that guarantees thrilling rides. Each letter represents a specific speed limit. Check out our exciting table below showcasing the speed symbols for passenger tyres. Get ready to embrace the road with confidence and exhilaration!
| Speed Symbol | Rating | Speed Symbol | Rating (km/h) |
| E | 70 | R | 170 |
| F | 80 | S | 180 |
| G | 90 | T | 190 |
| J | 100 | U | 200 |
| K | 110 | H | 210 |
| L | 120 | V | 240 |
| M | 130 | W | 270 |
| N | 140 | Y | 300 |
| P | 150 | Z | 240+ |
Extra Tyre Abbreviations
Some tyres may have extra numbers and letters.
For portraying important information such as the size and specifications of the tyre. Also to prove that each tyre has passed necessary safety standards.
- LT – Light Truck
- M+S – Mud and snow condition
- RFT / SSR – Run Flat tyres
- TL / TT – Tubeless / Tube type
- XL – Extra Load
- Brand or manufacturer specs (e.g. BMW, Porsche approvals)
Tyre Technologies
These are just a few examples of the extra technologies that can be found in modern tyres. The tyre industry continues to innovate and integrate new technologies into their tyres to improve safety, performance, and functionality in different applications and industries.
- Smart / sensor tyres can monitor pressure and temperature on some systems
- Run Flat tyres keep you moving after a puncture so you can get somewhere safe. Shop run flat tyres.
- Heavy-duty agricultural tyres (VF) are designed for soft ground and heavy loads
- Low rolling resistance tyres help improve fuel efficiency.
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