Quick answer
A tyre marking such as 215/65R16 98H means: 215 mm wide, sidewall 65% of the width, R for radial, for a 16-inch rim, load index 98 (750 kg per tyre) and speed rating H (up to 210 km/h). Truck tyres add a second load index for dual fitment, such as 315/80R22.5 156/150L. Tractor and OTR tyres often use inch sizes such as 18.4R38 or 23.5-25, where a dash means bias-ply. Always replace with the same size and the same or higher load index and speed rating.
Where to find the markings
The size is moulded in large characters on the sidewall of every tyre. You will also find it on a sticker inside the driver's door or fuel flap of most cars, and in the vehicle handbook. Read it from a tyre that is the right size for the vehicle, not from a spare that may be different.
Car and SUV tyres: 215/65R16 98H
| Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 215 | Section width in millimetres |
| 65 | Aspect ratio: sidewall height is 65% of the width |
| R | Radial construction |
| 16 | Rim diameter in inches |
| 98 | Load index: 750 kg per tyre |
| H | Speed rating: up to 210 km/h |
Some SUV and bakkie tyres start with LT (light truck) or end with C (commercial), such as 195R15C. These have stronger casings for heavier loads. Some 4x4 tyres use inch sizes like 31x10.50R15: 31 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, for a 15-inch rim.
Truck tyres: 315/80R22.5 156/150L
Truck sizes read the same way, with one addition: two load indexes.
- 156 is the load index when the tyre is fitted on its own (single), usually on the steer axle.
- 150 is the load index for each tyre when fitted in pairs (dual).
- L is the speed rating (up to 120 km/h).
Older-style truck sizes such as 12R22.5 and 1200R20 give the width in inches. A 20-inch rim size usually means a tube-type tyre. Read more in our 315/80R22.5 guide and 12R22.5 guide.
Tractor and OTR tyres
- 18.4R38: 18.4 inches wide, radial, 38-inch rim. With a dash (18.4-38) it is bias-ply.
- 460/85R38: the metric equivalent, 460 mm wide with an 85% sidewall.
- 23.5-25 L-5 20PR: a bias OTR loader tyre, 23.5 inches wide for a 25-inch rim, extra-deep rock tread, 20 ply rating.
Agricultural tyres often show a load index with a speed symbol such as A8 (40 km/h). See tractor tyre sizes explained and how to choose mining OTR tyres.
Load index chart
The load index is the maximum weight one tyre can carry at the correct pressure.
| Index | kg | Index | kg | Index | kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 475 | 104 | 900 | 146 | 3,000 |
| 86 | 530 | 106 | 950 | 148 | 3,150 |
| 88 | 560 | 109 | 1,030 | 149 | 3,250 |
| 91 | 615 | 112 | 1,120 | 150 | 3,350 |
| 94 | 670 | 116 | 1,250 | 152 | 3,550 |
| 96 | 710 | 121 | 1,450 | 154 | 3,750 |
| 98 | 750 | 126 | 1,700 | 156 | 4,000 |
| 100 | 800 | 136 | 2,240 | 158 | 4,250 |
| 102 | 850 | 143 | 2,725 | 160 | 4,500 |
Speed rating chart
| Symbol | Max speed | Symbol | Max speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| A8 | 40 km/h | Q | 160 km/h |
| F | 80 km/h | R | 170 km/h |
| G | 90 km/h | S | 180 km/h |
| J | 100 km/h | T | 190 km/h |
| K | 110 km/h | H | 210 km/h |
| L | 120 km/h | V | 240 km/h |
| M | 130 km/h | W | 270 km/h |
| N | 140 km/h | Y | 300 km/h |
Ply rating and load range
Older and heavy-duty tyres show a ply rating such as 8PR, 16PR or 20PR. It no longer counts actual layers of material, but it still indicates casing strength: a higher ply rating carries more load at a higher pressure. Light truck tyres may show a load range letter instead, such as LR E (roughly 10 ply). Radial OTR tyres use stars.
Other markings worth knowing
- Date code: a four-digit number such as 3825 means the 38th week of 2025.
- TL / Tubeless or TT / Tube Type.
- M+S (mud and snow) on all-terrain and some commercial tyres.
- Max load and max pressure: the maximum the tyre can take, not the pressure you should run. Use the vehicle's recommended pressure.
- Rotation arrow on directional tyres: fit so the arrow points in the direction of forward travel.
- TWI or a small triangle marks where the tread wear indicators sit in the grooves.
The golden rules when replacing tyres
- Fit the size the vehicle maker specifies.
- Choose the same or a higher load index and speed rating.
- Fit matching tyres across an axle, and in pairs on duals.
- Do not mix radial and bias tyres on the same axle.
Not sure? Send us a photo
If the markings are hard to read, take a clear photo of the sidewall and send it to us on WhatsApp, with your vehicle or machine and how many tyres you need. We will identify the size and confirm stock and price for cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, tractors and mining equipment from our Harare and Mutare branches.
Get a price on WhatsApp
Send us these four details and we will reply with stock and today’s price:
- Tyre size, from the sidewall
- Quantity
- Vehicle or equipment, make and model
- Delivery location, or collect in Harare or Mutare
Or call +263 716 194 485 · info@proclassicgroup.com