265/65 R17 112S: reading your tyre size in one minute

Every tyre carries a short code that tells a technician almost everything needed to replace it. Take a common SUV size, 265/65 R17 112S, and read it left to right.

• 265 is the width of the tyre in millimetres
• 65 is the profile: sidewall height as 65% of the width
• R means radial construction
• 17 is the rim diameter in inches
• 112 is the load index, here 1,120 kg per tyre
• S is the speed rating, up to 180 km/h

What you can change and what you should not

Rim size must match your wheels. Width and profile can sometimes change within limits, but the overall diameter must stay close to the original or your speedometer and stability systems will be off. Load index and speed rating should never be lower than the manufacturer specifies.

Not sure? Send us a photo of the sidewall on WhatsApp and we will read it for you and quote matching options.