HOW TO READ A TYRE: A COMPLETE GUIDE

As a CUPRA owner, you understand that every component of your vehicle is designed for performance and precision. This includes the tyres—the single most important connection to the road. What may seem like a jumble of random letters and numbers is actually a road map to understanding your car tyre‘s capabilities, from its size, including the tyre's height, to its maximum speed. This guide will help you decipher these tyre markings to ensure safety, performance, and smarter vehicle choices, all while complying with established European standards.

By learning how to read your tyre sidewall markings, you can identify the right tyre types for every season, maintain correct tyre pressure, and know when it’s time for a replacement. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing the performance of your CUPRA and understanding other critical vehicle components, whether you’re navigating urban streets or enjoying the open road.

Tyre Markings Explained

The sidewall of a typical tyre is imprinted with a standardized sequence of codes that identify its size, construction, and performance limits. Understanding these codes is crucial for identifying the correct tyre for your vehicle. A common example looks like this: 245/40 R19 98Y.

How to Read a Tyre Size and Construction Type?

The first part of the sequence (245/40 R19) defines the physical dimensions and build of the tyre.

How to Read a Tyre Width?

The first number, 245 in our example, represents the nominal tyre width in millimetres from one sidewall to the other. The width can vary from car to car, with smaller car types having narrower tyres than performance cars.

How to read the Aspect Ratio? 

The number immediately following the slash, 40, is  the aspect ratio, describing  the tyre’s height as a percentage of its width. In this case, the profile height of the tyre is 40% of its 245mm width. This is also referred to as the tyre profile. 

Low-profile tyres have a lower aspect ratio and may be more susceptible to damage from potholes or kerbs, so drive with special care on poor roads.

How to Read a Tyre Construction (Radial/R)?

The letter R indicates the tyre’s internal construction, which stands for Radial. Radial-ply construction, where the ply cords are laid at 90° to the tread's centre line, a structural requirement for most modern tyres under regulations like the UNECE Regulation No. 30.

How to Read a Wheel Diameter?

The final number in this sequence,19, represents the diameter of the wheel rim in inches that the tyre is designed to fit.

Load Index and Speed Rating

Following the size code, you'll find a number and a letter specifying the tyre's maximum load and speed capabilities.

How to read the Maximum Load of a Tyre?

The number 98 is the tyre load index, a code that corresponds to the maximum weight in kilograms that a single tyre can safely carry when properly inflated. A load index of 98 corresponds to a maximum load of 750 kg.

Here’s a complete list of indices and their corresponding loads:

Load-capacity indices

Li = Load-capacity index

kg = Corresponding mass of the vehicle which is to be carried

How to Read the Maximum Speed of a Tyre?

The letter Y is the speed rating, indicating the maximum speed at which the tyre can safely carry its designated load. A V-rated tyre is approved for speeds up to 300 km/h.

 Here’s the official  table of speed category symbols²:

Always match the load and speed ratings with your CUPRA’s specifications, found in your owner’s car manual or on the driver’s door jamb sticker. Using an incorrect rating compromises your vehicle’s handling and safety.

Tyre Type and Special Features

Beyond the primary codes, several other symbols identify a tyre’s specific purpose.

What are Seasonal Tyres?

Tyres are designed for different weather conditions.

M+S: The "M+S" (or M.S, M&S) marking indicates a "snow tyre," whose tread pattern and structure are designed for better performance in mud and fresh or melting snow. 

3PMSF: The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, also known as the "Alpine Symbol," certifies that the tyre has passed objective tests and meets minimum performance requirements for use in severe snow conditions, as specified in UNECE Regulation No. 117. This symbol is also displayed on the EU tyre label for qualifying tyres.

Practical Considerations for Winter Tyres

When fitting winter tyres, it's important to follow specific recommendations from your CUPRA manual to ensure safety and optimal performance:

• Fitment: Fit winter tyres on all four wheels to ensure balanced and safe vehicle handling. Only use winter tyres of a type and size approved for your vehicle, which are specified in your vehicle's documents (e.g., EC Certificate of Conformity).
• Performance and Wear: In winter road conditions, winter tyres considerably improve vehicle handling, as the design of summer tyres (especially wide or high-speed models) gives less grip on ice and snow. Be aware that winter tyres lose a great deal of their effectiveness when the tread wears down to a depth of 4 mm. Performance also significantly impairs with ageing, even if the tread is still deep. "All-weather" tyres can also be used instead of dedicated winter tyres.
• Speed Limits: Note that the maximum permissible speed for winter tyres may be lower than for summer tyres. If your vehicle can exceed the winter tyre's speed limit, attach a sticker indicating this maximum speed in a place visible to the driver.
• Tyre Pressure: After fitting winter tyres, always check the tyre pressures and adjust them to the correct values listed on the sticker on the rear of the front left door frame.
• Seasonal Change: When winter is over and temperatures are consistently above +7°C (+45°F), change back to summer tyres. This will improve overall performance and reduce fuel consumption, wear, and driving noise.

What are Run-Flat Tyres?

Run-flat tyres allow you to continue driving for a limited distance after a puncture. According to UNECE Regulation No. 30, a ‘Run flat tyre’ or ‘Self supporting tyre’ is a pneumatic tyre with technical solutions like reinforced sidewalls that allow it to supply the vehicle with basic tyre functions for at least 80 km at a speed of 80 km/h when operating in a flat tyre running mode.

These tyres are identified by specific codes on the sidewall, which vary by manufacturer, and official markings specified in the regulation, such as the letter 'F' before the rim diameter or a dedicated symbol.

Here's a table of common run-flat tyre symbols and their manufacturers:

Important: Do not fit tyres with run-flat properties to your CUPRA. Prohibited use can cause accidents or damage your vehicle.

 What are Reinforced Tyres?

Reinforced tyres have a more robust carcass designed to handle heavier loads at a higher inflation pressure. Manufacturers mark these tyres with specific codes, such as "XL" (Extra Load) or "RF" (Reinforced), to indicate their enhanced load capacity.³

Here’s a table of common reinforced tyre symbols:

Manufacturing and Regulatory Markings

These markings provide details about the tyre's age, wear, and official approval.

How to Read a Tyre Date Code (DOT 4625)?

The tyre date code is a four-digit number, usually part of a larger code beginning with “DOT”. The first two digits signify the week of manufacture, and the last two digits represent the year. 

For example, a code of 4625 means the tyre was made in the 46th week of 2025. This code is crucial, as rubber degrades over time. Use tyres over 6 years old only in an emergency and with due care.

How Do I Know if the Tyre Has Reached its Maximum Wear Level?

Your tyres have built-in Tread Wear Indicators (TWI), which are small, raised bars in the main grooves. These bars are typically 1.6 mm high, which corresponds to the minimum legal tread depth in many European countries. 

WARNING: You must replace your tyres at the latest when the tread wears down to the tread wear indicators. Insufficient tread depth is particularly dangerous in difficult driving conditions like on wet or icy roads, as it increases the risk of “aquaplaning” and adversely affects vehicle handling and braking.

Tyre Rotation (Changing Wheels Around)

To ensure all tyres wear down equally, have them rotated from time to time (e.g., moving the front wheels to the rear). Following a regular rotation schedule as recommended by your service partner will help all your tyres last for about the same amount of time.

ECE Approval Mark

This mark (a circle containing an 'E' and a number) certifies that the tyre complies with the safety and performance standards of the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). The number indicates the country that granted the approval (e.g., E4 for the Netherlands). The mark is followed by an approval number specific to the tyre type, as required by regulations like UNECE Regulation No. 30 and No. 117.

The sizes of rims and tyres approved for your vehicle appear in your official vehicle documentation (e.g., EC Certificate of Conformity). Always use tyre and rim combinations approved by CUPRA, as using unapproved combinations can damage the vehicle or cause an accident.

The EU Tyre Label

Governed by Regulation (EU) 2020/740, the EU Tyre Label provides transparent, standardised information on:

• Fuel Efficiency: Rated from A (best) to E (worst), this class is determined by the tyre's rolling resistance coefficient (RRC). Lower rolling resistance means better fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions.
• Wet Grip: Also rated A to E, this class is based on the tyre's wet grip index (G), which indicates braking performance on wet surfaces.
• External Rolling Noise: This shows the noise the tyre generates, measured in decibels (dB) and classified from A (quietest) to C (loudest).
• Severe Snow/Ice Performance: If applicable, the label will include the 3PMSF (Alpine Symbol) for performance in severe snow and/or a specific ice grip pictogram for performance on icy roads.
• QR Code: A QR code provides easy access to the tyre's detailed information in the EPREL (European Product Registry for Energy Labelling) database.

Essential Tyre Care and Safety

Understanding your tyres is only the first step. Proper maintenance is essential for safety and performance.

How to Find the Correct Tyre Pressure for Your CUPRA

To ensure optimal performance, handling, fuel efficiency, and safety, always use the tyre pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find the correct inflation on a sticker on the rear of the front left door frame.

• Check When Cold: For the most accurate reading, always check the tyre pressure when tyres are cold, meaning the car has been stationary for at least three hours or has not been driven for more than a couple of kilometres at low speed. 
• Adjust for Load: Adjust the tyre pressure according to the load your vehicle is carrying. If you are carrying the maximum load, you should increase the pressure to the maximum value indicated on the sticker.
• Don't Forget the Spare Wheel: When checking your tyres, remember to check the spare wheel. Keep it inflated to the highest pressure required for the main road wheels.

Replacing and Rotating Your Tyres

Always have a specialised workshop service your wheels and tyres to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

• Fitment Rules: For balanced performance, fit all four wheels with tyres of the same type, size, and tread pattern. When replacing tyres, change at least both tyres on the same axle at the same time.
• Tyre Rotation: To ensure all tyres wear down equally, have them rotated from time to time. This will help them last for about the same amount of time.

Key Safety Guidelines

• New Tyres: New tyres require a break-in period and do not have maximum grip. Drive carefully and at a moderate speed for the first 500 km (300 miles).
• Concealed Damage: If you notice unusual vibrations or that your car is pulling to one side, this may indicate hidden tyre damage. Reduce speed immediately and have your tyres inspected by a specialist workshop.
• Wheel Balance: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. If you notice vibrations in the steering wheel, have the wheels rebalanced to prevent excessive wear on steering, suspension, and tyres.

Conclusion: Putting Your Knowledge to Use

Navigating the array of markings on a tyre sidewall is no longer a daunting task. Understanding this "language" transforms you from a driver into an informed owner, capable of making decisions that directly impact your vehicle's performance and safety. The codes are a detailed specification sheet for your vehicle's most critical connection to the road.

Here is a final summary of all the markings and their importance:

• Performance and Fitment: The tyre size markings (e.g., 225/55 R16) and the load and speed ratings (e.g., 91V) are fundamental for matching the tyre to your CUPRA’s engineering specifications, ensuring optimal handling and performance under all conditions.
• Safety and Compliance: Markings such as the ECE approval mark, the date code, and the location of tread wear indicators (TWI) are your guarantee that the tyre meets stringent international safety standards, like those outlined in UNECE Regulation No. 30. These are not just recommendations; they are markers of certified safety.
• Informed Purchasing Decisions: The EU Tyre Label provides a clear, standardised comparison of fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise levels, with added pictograms for severe snow and ice performance. This allows you to choose new tyres based on a complete picture of their performance characteristics, directly impacting your running costs, safety, and environmental footprint.

Regularly checking these markings is essential. It helps prevent common issues like poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and premature tyre wear. By understanding what each number and symbol means, you ensure your CUPRA’s foundation is perfectly maintained, preserving the exhilarating and secure driving experience you expect.

CUPRA Tyres and Wheels: We’ve Got You Covered

Your CUPRA is crafted for a superior driving experience, and the right set of wheels and tyres is where performance, safety, and design truly connect with the road. Choosing genuine CUPRA products ensures that every component works in perfect harmony. 

CUPRA Tyre Replacement and Services

At CUPRA, we offer a wide range of high-quality tyres designed for every condition, from summer to winter and all-season options, so you can enjoy a genuine and safe driving experience wherever the road takes you. Made by leading manufacturers with top-quality materials, CUPRA tyres offer exceptional durability and resistance, delivering consistent performance over time.

• All-Inclusive Protection: When you replace your tyres at an official CUPRA dealership, you benefit from all-inclusive protection. This includes a 3-year damage cover for your tyres against common road hazards like vandalism, curb collision, and flat tyres. The price covers the new tyre, mounting, balancing, and all fees, so you can drive away with confidence.

• Seasonal Tyre Changes and Storage: In many European countries, seasonal tyre changes (e.g., to Winter Tyres below 7°C or Summer Tyres above 7°C) are mandatory. We offer tyre services including changing and storing your tyres in perfect condition, saving you space and ensuring they’re ready for every season.

• Wheel Alignment Check: It is highly recommended to check your alignment when you get new tyres (recommended every 40,000 km or after 3 years) to ensure they wear evenly and perform optimally from the start.

Complete Wheels and Personalised Advice

For the ultimate integration of style and engineering, consider CUPRA's complete wheels. Each alloy wheel undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest safety standards, while the perfectly matched tyre and rim combinations are optimised for flawless balance, stability, and control.

To maintain the authentic CUPRA experience, our Service Specialists are always on hand to offer personalised advice on the ideal wheels and tyres for your model and driving style. Consult your local dealer to find the perfect fit.

And should the unexpected happen, like a flat tyre or puncture, you can drive with confidence knowing that CUPRA Roadside Assistance has you covered. Our tailored support service is available 24/7 across Europe to provide on-the-spot repair when possible, towing to the nearest CUPRA workshop.