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Understanding your tire

Reading your tire

The information on the sidewall of a truck tire reveals essential details about that tire, including its dimensions, construction and performance limits. This data is largely prescribed by legislation and must follow international standards.

In Europe, for example, the ECE-R54 regulations apply. These rules apply to commercial vehicle tires designed for speeds between 80 and 130 km/h. Close to the tire size indication you will find a ‘Service Description’ as part of these regulations.

Goodyear tires intended for the European market, as well as the Middle East and Africa, have the “FRT” marking on the sidewall. This stands for “Free Rolling Tyre”, which, according to UNECE Directive number 54, indicates that the tire has been specially developed for use on trailer axles and not for steering or drive axles.

It follows that tires with the “FRT” marking are only suitable for mounting on trailer axles and that mounting on other axles is not permitted. Goodyear makes no warranty and accepts no liability for damage claims arising from the use of FRT tires outside these specific guidelines.

Each brand shows the relevant details on the strap in a slightly different way. But they are clear on all tapes. We have a Good Year

  • The location of the main features on a tire is shown as follows:

    1. The width of the tire in millimeters or inches.
    2. The ratio between the height and width of the tire (SH/SD) for radial construction.
    3. (R stands for Radial)
    4. The diameter of the rim, indicated in inches.
    5. The load index for one tire, which indicates the maximum load per tire.
    6. The load index for double tires, indicating the maximum load per tire when using double tires.
    7. The speed symbol.
    8. Alternative loading indexes for use at other speeds.
    9. TWI – Tread Wear Indicator, an indicator of tire wear.
    10. The ECE approval number.
    11. The date code, consisting of the production week and the year.
    12. The DOT production code.
    13. The sound number, which indicates that the tire meets the sound requirements of the European Economic Community (EEC).

  • Bandwith

    The width of your tire in millimeters measured from sidewall to sidewall.

  • Height width ratio

    This indicates the relationship between the height of the tire and its width, expressed as a percentage. For example, an aspect ratio of 70 means that the height of the tire is equal to 70% of its width.

  • Diameter of the wheel

  • Loadindex

    The load index on your tire indicates the maximum weight the tire can carry. It is crucial to choose a replacement tire that meets the specifications recommended by the manufacturer.

    When selecting a new tire, it is important to consider both load capacity and speed rating. You can find the load capacity of your tire on the side, near the diameter indication.