P-Metric Sized Tires Description

P-Metric Sized Tires Description

Designation	Legend
205	Tire width in mm
65	Aspect ratio height (h)/width (w) %
R	Construction type, see table below
16	Rim diameter in inches
94	Load index, see table below
V	Speed rating, see table below

Construction Type

Designation	Legend
R	Radial
B	Bias-belted
D	Diagonal (Bias)

Load Index

Code	Max Load kg	Max Load lb
91	615	1353
93	650	1430
94	670	1474
95	690	1518

Speed Rating

Code	Max Speed km/h	Max Speed mph
Q	160	99
S	180	112
T	190	118
H	210	130
V	240	149
W	270	168
Y	300	186

The marking of the tire in the example means:

•	205 - Tire width is 205 mm

•	65 - Aspect Ratio is 65% (height is 65% of width)

•	205 - Tire width is 205 mm

•	16 - The tire is for 16 inch rim

•	94 - Max load is 670 kg (1,474 lb)

•	V - Max speed is 240 km/h (149 mph)

There may sometimes be an added marking showing that the tire can handle more load:

•	RF - Reinforced

•	XL - Extra Load

Winter tires have an extra marking M+S.

Week of Manufacture

The week and year of manufacture is indicated on the tire.


The 2 first digits states the production week and the 2 last digits states the year. The symbol "<" points to the year. The code 0200< means that the tire is manufactured week 02 year 2000.

Replacing Tires

When replacing wheels/tires/rims using other dimensions always use the diagnostic tool to program the new values to avoid inaccuracy for e.g. speedometer, odometer and TPMS.

Most P-metric tire sizes do not have exact corresponding alphanumeric tire sizes. Replacement tires should be of the same tire performance criteria TPC specification number including the same size, the same load range, and the same construction as those originally installed on the vehicle.