Where to find it
Your tyre size is moulded into the sidewall of every tyre — the outer face you can see without crawling under the car. You'll usually also find it on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or the fuel filler flap, and in the handbook. The sidewall is the source of truth: it tells you what's actually fitted right now.
Decoding the numbers
- 205 — the tyre's width in millimetres.
- 55 — the profile (aspect ratio): the sidewall height as a percentage of the width. Lower number = lower, sportier sidewall.
- R — radial construction. Virtually every modern tyre.
- 16 — the wheel rim diameter in inches.
- 91 — the load index: the maximum weight the tyre is rated to carry. Don't go below what your car requires.
- V — the speed rating. Each letter corresponds to a maximum sustained speed the tyre is built for.
Other markings worth knowing
- XL (or RF/Reinforced) — an extra-load version of the size, common on heavier cars and EVs.
- Run-flat markings — brands use their own codes: RFT, ROF, SSR, ZP and others. If your car came on run-flats and has no spare, mention it when you message us.
- M+S / the snowflake symbol (3PMSF) — mud & snow and certified winter-performance markings, found on all-season and winter tyres.
Two catches that cause wrong orders
Front and rear can be different sizes — common on rear-wheel-drive and performance cars, and almost universal on motorcycles. Check both ends, not just one.
The same car comes in many sizes. Two identical-looking hatchbacks can wear different sizes depending on trim and wheel option — which is why we always work from your sidewall or reg, not the model name.
The easy way
Can't face squinting at rubber? Take a photo of the sidewall and send it on WhatsApp with your postcode — we'll read the size, the load and speed ratings and any run-flat marking for you, and come back with an all-in quote.
Got your size? Get your price.
Send the size (or just a photo of the sidewall) and your postcode — exact, all-in quote in minutes.