How to read a tire size (e.g. 205/55 R16 91V)
The marking 205/55 R16 91V means: a tire 205 mm wide, with a sidewall 55% as high as the width, radial, for a 16-inch rim, with load index 91 (up to 615 kg per tire) and a top speed of 240 km/h (V). It is printed on the sidewall of the tire.
What each part means
- 205 is the width of the tire in millimeters.
- 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width: 55% of 205 mm, about 113 mm.
- R means radial construction. Almost all of today's car tires are radial.
- 16 is the rim diameter in inches.
- 91 is the load index: how many kilograms one tire may carry.
- V is the speed rating: the highest speed the tire is made for.
Load index
Some common values, per tire: 84 = 500 kg, 88 = 560 kg, 91 = 615 kg, 94 = 670 kg, 97 = 730 kg, 100 = 800 kg. A new tire should have the same or a higher index than the one specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Speed rating
T = 190 km/h, H = 210 km/h, V = 240 km/h, W = 270 km/h, Y = 300 km/h.
Other markings
- XL (Extra Load): a reinforced tire for a higher load capacity.
- C after the diameter (e.g. 215/65 R16C): a tire for vans and light commercial vehicles.
- RFT, ZP, SSR: a run-flat tire, which lets you keep driving a short distance after a puncture.
- M+S or the snowflake: a winter or all-season tire. See M+S or 3PMSF.
Where to find your size
On the sidewall of your current tires, on the sticker in the driver's door frame or inside the fuel filler flap, and in the vehicle handbook.
Most popular sizes: 205/55 R16, 195/65 R15, 225/45 R17. All sizes are in the catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit a different size from the factory one?
Only a size the vehicle manufacturer allows; the permitted sizes are in the handbook or on the door sticker.
What does XL on a tire mean?
A reinforced tire (Extra Load) with a higher load capacity than a standard tire of the same size.
What does the letter C after the size mean?
A tire for vans and light commercial vehicles, with a reinforced construction for heavier loads.
More guides
- Winter equipment in North Macedonia: when it is mandatory and what the law requires - In North Macedonia winter equipment is mandatory from 15 November to 15 March. Passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes need winter tires on all four wheels with at least 4 mm of tread, or summer tires with at least 4 mm of tread plus chains for the drive wheels. The fine is the denar equivalent of 45 euros. This season it starts on 15 November 2026.
- All-season or winter tires: which should you choose? - All-season tires marked M+S or with the mountain snowflake count as winter equipment in North Macedonia, as long as the tread is at least 4 mm. They are a good choice for city driving and mild winters without changing tires twice a year. For mountain roads and frequent snow, true winter tires grip better.
- How much does a tire change cost in Skopje? - At Ceres, fitting and removing one 15 or 16-inch tire costs 150 MKD and balancing 200 MKD, 1,400 MKD in total for four tires. For 13 and 14-inch tires the four cost 1,000 MKD, for 17 and 18-inch 1,800 MKD. Prices are per tire, from the October 2026 price list.
- M+S or 3PMSF: winter tire markings explained - M+S (mud and snow) means the tread is designed for mud and snow, but no test is required for the marking. A tire only gets the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) if it passes a standard snow test. In North Macedonia both markings count as winter tires.