Understanding sidewall markings is essential for any tire buyer — a single misread digit can mean ordering the wrong load index, speed rating or even the wrong category. Here is a practical decoding guide.
1. Size marking (e.g., 205/55 R16 91V)
205 — section width in millimeters
55 — aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width)
R16 — radial construction, 16-inch rim diameter
91 — load index (see table below)
V — speed rating
2. Load index and speed rating (PCR common range)
| Load Index | Max Load (kg) | Speed Rating | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | 615 | H | 210 km/h |
| 94 | 670 | V | 240 km/h |
| 98 | 750 | W | 270 km/h |
| 100 | 800 | Y | 300 km/h |
Always replace with equal or higher load index — never lower, regardless of price advantage.
3. OE markings — what original equipment labels mean
Premium tire buyers frequently need OE-specific tires:
AO / RO1 — Audi
MO / MOE — Mercedes-Benz
* — BMW / MINI
N0–N4 — Porsche
T0/T1 — Tesla
JLR — Jaguar Land Rover
VOL / POL — Volvo / Polestar
These markings indicate the tire was developed for a specific vehicle manufacturer's requirements. For distributors serving premium car owners, OE-marked inventory is often non-negotiable.
4. Technical markings worth knowing
XL — Extra Load (reinforced, higher load capacity)
HL — High Load (even higher capacity, common on heavy EVs/SUVs)
ZP / RF / EMT — RunFlat (can continue after puncture)
Acoustic / AC — noise-absorbing foam inside the tire
FRV — velvet sidewall finish (cosmetic)
SELFSEAL — self-sealing technology
5. Production date — the DOT code
The last four digits of the DOT code show the production week and year. Example: 2625 = 26th week of 2025. For B2B stock management, always confirm production dates before shipment — fresh stock is a key selling point in retail markets.
Practical advice for buyers:
Build a spec checklist before quoting: size + load index + speed rating + OE marking + any special tech (XL, RunFlat, Acoustic)
Ask for production date range in your order confirmation
For mixed market demand, balance OE-marked premium tires with standard inventory to optimize margin
A clear spec sheet prevents 90% of sourcing errors — and speeds up the quotation process significantly.
