Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Tyre lettering

Fig. 204 International tyre lettering

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Tyre lettering (example)	Meaning
Brand name, logo	Manufacturer
Product name	Individual tyre lettering from manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 18	Size designation:
	P	Identification for passenger vehicle.
	255	Tyre width from wall to wall in mm.
	55	Height/width ratio in %.
	R	Tyre construction: radial.
	18	Rim diameter in inches.
109 H	Load capacity index   and speed index   .
XL	Heavy-duty tyres (reinforced).
M+S or M/S or	Denotes winter tyres (mud and snow tyres)   .
RADIAL TUBELESS	Tubeless radial tyres.
E4 ...	Certification of conformity with international regulations. The number following (E) is the code number of the country that granted approval. This is followed by the number of the type approval certificate.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709	Tyre identification number ( a) – is possibly only be on the inner side of the wheel) and date of manufacture:
	DOT	The tyre complies with the legal requirements of the USA Department of Transportation, responsible for tyre safety standards.
	BT	Code identifier of the factory that manufactured the tyre.
	RA	Tyre manufacturer's data on tyre size.
	TY5	Manufacturer's tyre characteristics.
	1709	Manufacture date: 17th week in 2009.
TWI	Indicates the position of the tread wear indicator   .
Made in Germany	Country of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KG	US load data for the maximum load per wheel.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA (51 PSI)	US limitation for the maximum air pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON	Data on tyre sub-construction components: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES 1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1 NYLON	Data on the tread surface components: In the example there are four layers under the tread surface: 1 layer of rayon, 2 steel belt layers and 1 nylon layer.
Information for the end user concerning comparative values for specified basic tyres (standardised test procedure)   :
TREADWEAR 220	Relative life expectancy for the tyre, with reference to a US-specific standard test.
TRACTION A	Wet braking response of the tyre (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE A	Temperature stability of the tyre at higher test speeds (A, B or C).
Any other characters are internal codes used by the tyre manufacturer or are country-specific codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.

Tyres with directional tread pattern

Tyres with directional tread pattern have been developed to roll in one direction only. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread. The direction of rotation must be adhered to. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.

If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direction to the tread pattern, you must take more care when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is particularly important on wet roads. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or be fitted with the tread in the correct direction.

Tyre load

The load capacity index indicates how many kilograms can be loaded onto an individual tyre (tyre load).

91 615 kg 92 630 kg 93 650 kg 95 690 kg 97 730 kg 99 775 kg

Speed index

The speed index indicates the maximum permitted speed that may be driven when particular wheels are fitted.

P max. 150 km/h (93 mph) Q max. 160 km/h (99 mph) R max. 170 km/h (106 mph) S max. 180 km/h (112 mph) T max. 190 km/h (118 mph) U max. 200 km/h (124 mph) H max. 210 km/h (130 mph) V max. 240 km/h (149 mph) Z over 240 km/h (149 mph) W max. 270 km/h (168 mph) Y max. 300 km/h (186 mph)

Some tyre manufacturers use the code ZR for tyres with a highest permitted speed of over 240 km/h (149 mph).

^a) The TIN is the tyre serial number.

Questions & answers

Tyre lettering — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

What do the numbers and letters on the Golf Mk7 tyre sidewall mean?

They encode the tyre width (mm), aspect ratio (%), construction type (R = radial), rim diameter (inches), load index and speed rating — for example 205/55 R16 91V.

What is the speed rating on a Golf Mk7 tyre?

A letter at the end of the size designation — for example V (up to 240 km/h) or W (up to 270 km/h). Never fit tyres with a lower speed rating than specified for your model.

What does the DOT date code mean on the Golf Mk7 tyre?

Four digits at the end of the DOT number show the week and year of manufacture — for example 2319 means week 23 of 2019. Tyres older than 6–8 years should be replaced regardless of tread depth.

Where can I find the approved tyre sizes for my Golf Mk7?

On the tyre pressure label inside the fuel flap, in the vehicle registration documents, and in the technical data chapter of the owner's manual.