The following diagram explains all the markings that exist on the side of a tyre; you can order new tyres by simply knowing the size, speed and load ratings, but if you ever wondered what all the other stuff means you can find out here.
1. Tyre brand name
2. Pattern or model code
3. Tyre size
4. Service description (Load index & Speed symbol)
5. ECE or EEC type approval number**
6. ECE noise approval
7. North American recall code
8. Date of manufacture code
9. UTQG quality rating
10. Maximum permitted load (USA)
11. Maximum permitted inflation pressure (USA)
12. Denotes tubeless construction
13. Safety warning
14. Direction of rotation (Directional or Composite tyres)
15. Rim fitment instruction (Asymmetrical or Composite tyres)
16. Denotes extra load tyre construction
16a. Denotes reinforced tyre construction
17. Position of tread wear indicators.
**(C & U regulations stipulate all tyres used in the UK must carry an E number)
Other Markings
In addition to the above the tyre manufacturers have complicated things further with the following markings that are often found after the tyre size. Many of these letters refer to the tyre being specific for use on a particular vehicle.
AM8 – Aston Martin (not model specific)
AM9 – Aston Martin : DB9, VA & V8
AML – Aston Martin
AMX – Aston Martin
AO – Audi
B – Bentley
B1 – Bentley
BZ – Bridgestone original equipment
CZ – Subaru
DSST – Dunlop run-flat tyres
DT1 – New pattern
DZ – Honda / Mazda / Toyota
EMT – Goodyear run-flat tyres
EZ – Audi / Mazda 6
F – Ferarri
FZ – Bridgestone original equipment
G1 – Indicates that outside diameter or tread width differs from a tyre without this marking
GZ – Subaru
HO – Honda
HRS – Hankook run flat
HZ – Bridgestone original equipment
J – Jaguar
JZ – Seat / Subaru
K1 – Ferrari
K2 – Ferrari
KZ – Nissan / Toyota
LRR – Low rolling resistance
MC1 – Mclaren
MGT – Maserati
MO – Mercedes
MOE – Mercedes Extended (Runflat)
MO1 – Mercedes SL65 AMG
MZ – Mitsubishi / Toyota
N0 – Porsche
N1 – Porsche
N2 – Porsche
N3 – Porsche
N4 – Porsche
N5 – Porsche
N6 – Porsche, The numerical escalation of Porsche N-Spec tyres reflect either enhancements to the previous generation of the same tyre model.
NZ – Bridgestone original equipment
OZ – Bridgestone original equipment
PE – Peugeot
PZ – Ford / Mazda / Mercedes / VW
R01 – Audi Quattro, RS4, RS6, R8
R02 – Audi Quattro, RS4, RS6, R8
Runflat – Run flat tyre
RFT – Run flat tyre
ROF – Run flat tyre
RZ – Bridgestone original equipment
S – Various manufacturers
S1 – Various manufacturers
S2 – Various manufacturers
SSR – Run flat tyre
SZ – Mazda MPV
TO – Toyota
TZ – Mazda 6
UZ – BMW 3 / Skoda
VO – Volkswagen
VW – Volkswagen
VW2 – Volkswagen
VZ – Bridgestone original equipment
WZ – Bridgestone original equipment
XL – Reinforced tyres. Have a higher load index
XZ – Bridgestone original equipment
YZ – Bridgestone original equipment
ZP – Michelin run flat
ZPS – Yokohama run flat
* – BMW