What do these numbers mean?

205/65 R16 95 V

205 :- Section width
65 :- Aspect ratio
R :- Radial
16 :- Rim diameter
95 :- load rating
v :-speed rating.

What is the width?

205/65 R16 95 V

The width of the tyre.

What is the aspect ratio?

205/65 R16 95 V

The Aspect ratio or profile is the height of the tyre from the rim to the tread area. It’s shown as a percentage of the tread width. In this case the “height” of the tyre is 65% of the width.

What does the R stand for?

205/65 R16 95 V

R is for Radial and tells us the “construction type” of the tyre. It is less important these days as all car tyres are radial. Many years ago we had  “bias ply” or “cross ply” constructions as well and they needed to be able to identify the different types of tyre since they could not be mixed on the same axle. If there is no ‘R’, the tyre is not a radial.

What is the rim diameter?

205/65 R16 95 V

This is the diameter of the rim that the tyre can be fitted to. Internationally rim sizes are still measured and quoted in inches.

What is the load rating?

205/65 R16 95 V

A type of shorthand or scale used to describe the load carrying capacity of each tyre is. The higher the number, the more load the tyre can carry at a higher pressure.

What is the speed Rating?

205/65 R16 95 V

The speed symbol indicates the maximum speed the tyre is capable of running. In the case the V rated tyre means it can run for 240kph. While it may seem excessive having such high speed ratings on tyres in Australia these ratings come almost as a “by product” of more highly developed tyres. A higher speed rating generally improves the tyre’s ability to withstand heat (eg. driving long distances in hot conditions).