How to choose the right tyres? Reading tyre sizes and a selection guide
Choosing the right tyres starts with two simple questions: what size of tyres your car needs and which tyres suit your driving style, the season and your budget. In this guide we show you how to read the numbers marked on a tyre's sidewall, where to find the correct tyre size for your car, and what to pay attention to when choosing.
How to read a tyre size?
On the sidewall of every tyre there is a row of numbers and letters, for example 205/55 R16 91V. This tells you everything you need to know about the tyre size:
- 205 — the width of the tyre in millimetres (the tread width from shoulder to shoulder).
- 55 — the profile, i.e. the ratio of the sidewall height to the width as a percentage. 55 means that the tyre's sidewall is 55% of the width (205 × 0.55 ≈ 113 mm).
- R — the construction. R stands for a radial tyre, which is standard on today's passenger cars.
- 16 — the rim diameter in inches. This must match your rim size exactly.
- 91 — the load index, i.e. the maximum load-carrying capacity of a single tyre (91 = 615 kg per tyre).
- V — the speed rating, i.e. the maximum permitted speed (V = 240 km/h).
The sidewall also carries a DOT code, whose last four digits indicate the date of manufacture (e.g. 3223 = week 32 of 2023). A tyre's age is important, especially in the case of used tyres.
Where to find the correct tyre size for your car?
The suitable sizes have been specified by the car manufacturer. You can check them in several places:
- The sticker on the edge of the driver's door — the most reliable source. Open the driver's door and look at the sticker on the door pillar, which lists the permitted tyre sizes and tyre pressures.
- The fuel filler flap — on some cars the same information is on the inside of the fuel flap.
- The owner's manual — the car's handbook lists all permitted tyre and rim sizes.
- The current tyres — if the car already has suitable tyres, simply read the size off the sidewall.
Many cars allow several different sizes. If in doubt, we are happy to help you check the correct size.
Summer, winter or all-season tyres?
The tyre season is just as important a factor in your choice as the size:
- Summer tyres — the best grip and the shortest braking distance on warm roads (above +7 °C). In the cold the rubber compound hardens and grip drops.
- Winter tyres — a softer rubber compound and a dense sipe pattern ensure grip on snow, ice and in the cold.
- All-season (siped) tyres — a compromise suited to lower mileage and a milder climate, but no substitute for genuine winter tyres in a harsh winter.
In Estonia, winter tyres are compulsory from 1 December to 1 March. Studded tyres may be used from 15 October to 31 March, and in exceptional weather conditions the Transport Administration may extend these deadlines. The minimum permitted tread depth is 3 mm for winter tyres and 1.6 mm for summer tyres.
Load and speed rating — don't choose lower
The load index (e.g. 91) and the speed rating (e.g. V) must be at least as high as the car manufacturer has specified. A tyre with a lower index can be dangerous and may not meet the requirements — a higher index, however, is always permitted. On winter tyres the speed rating may be lower, but not below the manufacturer's winter minimum.
New or used tyres?
Our range includes both new and used tyres. A new tyre gives the best grip and the longest lifespan. A used tyre is a more affordable choice when:
- the tread depth is still sufficient (preferably at least 4–5 mm);
- the tyre is not too old (check the DOT code);
- there are no cracks, bulges or repair marks on the sidewall.
All our used tyres have been checked and the tread depth is marked, so you can make a confident choice.
The EU tyre label
New tyres carry an EU label that helps you compare three indicators:
- Fuel efficiency (A–E) — lower rolling resistance means lower fuel consumption.
- Wet grip (A–E) — braking distance on a wet road; the most important indicator from a safety point of view.
- Rolling noise (dB) — the noise generated by the tyre.
Find suitable tyres
Once you know your tyre size, enter it into our search — choose the width, profile, diameter, season and condition, and we will show you all the suitable tyres with their prices straight away.
Not sure about the right size or choice? Get in touch with us — we will help you find the best solution for your car.