UK tyre reference
Tyre Glossary UK
Plain-English explanations of common tyre terms used by UK drivers, retailers and fitters.
- 3PMSF
- Three peak mountain snowflake — the symbol that shows a tyre meets a recognised winter traction standard.
- All-season tyre
- A tyre designed to balance summer and winter performance year-round, ideal for many UK drivers.
- Aspect ratio
- The profile percentage in a tyre size — the sidewall height as a percentage of section width.
- C-rated tyre
- Commercial tyre rating for vans and light commercial vehicles.
- Cord
- The internal layers that give a tyre its strength. Visible cord means the tyre must be replaced.
- DOT code
- Manufacturing date stamp on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year.
- EU tyre label
- Label showing fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise scores for a tyre sold in the UK or EU.
- EV tyre
- Tyre designed for the extra weight, instant torque and quietness of electric vehicles.
- Fuel efficiency
- Rolling resistance score on the EU label, A (lowest) to E (highest).
- HL
- Higher load — a newer reinforced rating, often fitted to heavy EVs and SUVs.
- Load index
- A code on the sidewall mapping to a maximum weight per tyre.
- M+S
- Mud and snow marking — a self-declared marking, not a true winter performance standard.
- MOT
- UK annual roadworthiness test, including tyre condition, depth and damage.
- Profile
- The aspect ratio of the tyre — sidewall height as a percentage of width.
- Radial
- Modern tyre construction with cords running across the tread, marked with R in the size.
- Run-flat
- A tyre that can be driven for a short distance after a puncture, with reinforced sidewalls.
- Sidewall
- The vertical section of the tyre between the tread and the rim, where markings are found.
- Speed rating
- A letter on the sidewall showing the maximum speed the tyre is rated for under load.
- Tread depth
- The depth of the tyre's tread pattern. UK legal minimum is 1.6mm.
- Tread wear indicator (TWI)
- Raised bars in the main tread grooves that align with the tread surface at 1.6mm.
- TPMS
- Tyre pressure monitoring system — required for run-flat tyres.
- UHP
- Ultra-high performance tyre — designed for speed, grip and sharper handling.
- Wet grip
- Wet braking score on the EU label, A (best) to E (worst).
- XL
- Extra load — a reinforced tyre with a higher load capacity than standard.
Tyre Finder UK provides general tyre guidance only. We do not guarantee tyre fitment, local stock, prices or fitting availability. Always confirm your tyre size, load rating, speed rating and vehicle requirements using your current tyre sidewall, vehicle handbook, manufacturer guidance or a qualified tyre fitter before fitting.