Sign In
For assistance with claim related queries in the CYCLONE affected regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, please click here

Guide To Read Two Wheeler Tyre Markings

​Understanding all the technicalities while buying new tyre could be tough. While tyres are the only contact your car has with the roads, it is important to be sure of its protection and sturdiness. One must know of the important specifications that are necessary when installing new tyres.

If tyres are not good enough it doesn’t matter how good an engine or the bike is it will not go as fast it was supposed to also the handling will be bad. Added to all this there will be the risk of getting into an accident more often than general. There are certain specifications defined by the tyre manufacturers so that it could be understood from the end of the consumer. This nomenclature is necessary and this guide will help you in understanding particular nomenclature. 
While before beginning it is important to know the importance of two wheeler insurance and if you are planning on renewing the insurance or buying a new bike then get the best insurance as soon as possible.

Primary Marking on Tyres


Every tyre has a long code type marking which no one bothers to understand. For example, let’s take 175 / 70 B16 75 R

  1. Now the first two or three digits means the width of an inflated tyre from side to side in millimetres. In our case, it is 175 millimetres. The forward slash is used to show the beginning of the new code.

  2. The second two digits show the percentage of the ratio between the height to width. A higher number means a higher profile. In this example, the percentage is 70%.

  3. The alphabet next represents the construction of the tyre. B stands for belted bias while R stands for radial type tyres. An absence of any better shows the cross-ply tyre. Both of them have different benefits as belted bias is sturdier while radial tyre runs cooler at high speed. 

  4. The next two digits represent the diameter of the rim in inches. In our case, it is 16

  5. This load index to understand one must refer to a load index chart ranging from number 62 for 265 kg to 75 for 387 kg.

  6. The last code stands for the speed rating. It is the fastest a tyre can run safely. It ranges from A1- 5km/h to (Y)-300km/h.

These are the basic markings while there are other markings which should be kept in mind. Some of these are manufacturer of the tyre, model of the tyre, country of manufacturer, date of manufacturer. Also, the basic thing to look for is whether the tyre is tubeless or with a tube. 

(M-S) All-season tyres have a temperature marking. They provide good traction on muddy and snow as well. M-T tyres are specifically built for mud and difficult terrain. It is important to see the direction of rotation of the tyre while buying one. 

With these details, it is sufficient to be ready for choosing the tyres which are best for you. A tyre too wide or too thin will adversely affect the motor vehicle. To ensure none of this happens buy a trusted tyre and also make sure to buy bike insurance.