Consult the manual of your car manufacturer, usually indicating the proposed tire dimension, or look at the "side" (sidewall) of the tire of your car three numbers as shown in the drawing (205/60R16). These numbers indicate the width, height and the rim of your car's tire.
Alternatively, you can consult the search engine of Tyremarket which, based on the brand, model, year of manufacture and version of your car, lets you know the indicative dimension of the tire.
You are advised to always follow the dimension and alternative dimensions recommended by the manufacturer for each type of car. A different tire dimension can cause problems or changes in the car’s behavior.
However, if some dimensions are rarely produced, in small quantities or have been removed and you are forced to choose a dimension different than the manufactuer’s recommendation, it is advisable to maintain the diameter of the wheels as much as possible, with a deviation that will not exceed 3%-4% of the overall diameter of the tire dimension recommended by your manufacturer.
Based on the dimension you have chosen, the Tyremarket automatically calculates and indicatively suggests alternative dimensions, maintaining the same rim diameter and with wheel total diameter deviation of maximum 2.5%. To be absolutely sure it is good to know the width of the rim of your car.
How to choose my new tires?
Based on the dimension of your selection Tyremarket presents only available tires from which you can choose based on the price, the tread pattern, the brand, season of use, vehicle type and characteristics of the description (load index, vehicle type, speed indicator), the three characteristics of the tire marking "tyre label" (fuel economy, braking / wet grip, noise) and the information provided by the manufacturer.
To choose among the recommended tires you may, except using the filters, use also the comparison by clicking the button "Select to compare" for the tires that interest you. The Product comparison will give you the ability to view a summary of the characteristics of all selected tires and compare them before selecting.
What is the Speed Index
The Speed Index (described with Latin alphabet characters) and load index (described by number) symbols are both displayed on the sidewall of the tire.
The tire speed index is the Latin alphabet character with which the manufacturer characterizes every tire. It shows the maximum speed at which the tires are expected to operate according to the manufacturer's specifications.
It is located in the description of a tire after the dimension and after the load index. eg
PIRELLI PZERO NERO GT 205/60R16 91V XL NEROgt
The tire’s Speed Index is the "V" and (according to the table below) the maximum speed at which the tires are expected to function properly is 240 km. / hr.
The radial tires without marking are allowed to reach speeds up to 110 km/hr (68 mph). Conventional tires are limited to 100 km/hr (62 mph). Retreaded tires can reach a maximum speed of 110 km/hr (68 mph) unless they have different signs. Special purpose tires, for specific heavy-duty applications, must bear the corresponding speed limits on the sidewall.
A list of symbols and their respective speeds follows below.
| Symbol | Speed (km/h) |
| Q | 160 |
| R | 170 |
| S | 180 |
| T | 190 |
| H | 210 |
| V | 240 |
| VR | >210 |
| W | 270 |
| Y | 300 |
| ZR | >240 |
What is the Load Index
The Load Index symbols (described by a number) and speed (described by a Latin alphabet character) are both shown on the side (sidewall) of the tire.
The Load Index is the number which characterizes every tire by its manufacturer. It indicates the maximum load at which the tires are expected to operate according to the manufacturer's specifications.
It is located in the tire description after the dimension and before the Speed Index. e.g.
PIRELLI PZERO NERO GT 205/60R16 91V XL
The tire's load index is "91" and (according to the table below) the maximum load at which the tires are expected to operate properly is 615 kilos per tire. This means that if a vehicle has 4 tires and the weight distribution is equivalent in each tire, then the maximum gross vehicle weight must not be more than 4 * 615 = 2,460 kilograms (kg).
The label "XL" means that the tire has extra reinforcement and load capacity compared to standard tires.
Avoid overloading your vehicle. If you plan to drive under large load / high speed conditions, adjust your tire pressure in accordance with the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.
| Load Index | Kilograms | Load Index | Kilograms | Load Index | Kilograms |
| 65 | 290 | 80 | 450 | 95 | 690 |
| 66 | 300 | 81 | 462 | 96 | 710 |
| 67 | 307 | 82 | 475 | 97 | 730 |
| 68 | 315 | 83 | 487 | 98 | 750 |
| 69 | 325 | 84 | 500 | 99 | 775 |
| 70 | 335 | 85 | 515 | 100 | 800 |
| 71 | 345 | 86 | 530 | 101 | 825 |
| 72 | 355 | 87 | 545 | 102 | 850 |
| 73 | 365 | 88 | 560 | 103 | 875 |
| 74 | 375 | 89 | 580 | 104 | 900 |
| 75 | 387 | 90 | 600 | 105 | 925 |
| 76 | 400 | 91 | 615 | 106 | 950 |
| 77 | 412 | 92 | 630 | 107 | 975 |
| 78 | 425 | 93 | 650 | 108 | 1000 |
| 79 | 437 | 94 | 670 |
What is the marking / tire label of EU
Since November 2012, the new tires should bear the EU indicators, usually in the form of a sticker. The new EU tire labeling provides separate rankings for three major sectors in the performance of tires: fuel efficiency, wet grip and external street noise.
Fuel Economy
A measure for the rolling resistance of the tire, which is important for reducing both CO2 emissions and the cost of driving. The Latin character A is the highest index and the Latin character G the lowest. The difference between each category means an increase or decrease in fuel consumption by 3%-4%.
Wet Grip
A measure of the performance of the tire braking on wet surfaces, a critical safety feature. The Latin character A (highest) is the shortest braking distance in wet conditions and the Latin character G (lower) is the largest braking distance on wet roads.
The difference in each category could mean extra 3-6 meters in stopping distance.
External Noise
The external rolling noise of the tire, measured in decibels. The noise class is shown on the sign marking of the tire with black sound waves from 1 (silent) to 3 (noisy).
Tyremarket presents the values of the EU indicators in the characteristics of each tire.
What is DOT
DOT (Department Of Transportation) is an official labeling mandatory in many countries, for the sale of tires.
1) The tires with the DOT marking meet or exceed the safety standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
2) Manufacturer and Factory Code (defined by DOT)
3) Tire Dimension Code
4) Optional markings set for the Manufacturer (for the brand recognition (brand name) or other significant tire characteristics)
5) Week of Production
What are RUN FLAT tires?
Run Flat Tires means extra safety. They offer more control of the vehicle in emergency situations and allow safe trip continuation even with rapid loss of pressure (with flat tire), even in the rain, maintaining certain speed and distance parameters as these are specified by the tire manufacturer. Pirelli for example, ensures that after loss of pressure, the Run Flat tires can continue to operate for 80 km with a maximum speed of 80 km. / hr.
Because of these limitations, the drivers must be informed in case of loss of pressure which means that the vehicle must be equipped with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) which will detect and alert you for changes in tire pressure. Consult the vehicle’s manual for specific information related to the safety and operation.
Once you see the low pressure warning, an expert should check as soon as possible the condition of the remaining tires and the TPMS.
The Run Flat tires have evolved based on the specifications of the cars in which they are placed. Therefore, the Run Flat can be used only on vehicles with required equipment Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The tire mounting and installation of TPMS must take place at a Tyremarket official partner.
After loss of pressure, a repair will not be enough and you must always change the tire, as it is not always possible to determine the time and circumstances under which it has been used with insufficient pressure.
Damaged or Run Flat tires that have suffered a loss of pressure should be immediately replaced with other Run Flat tires of same dimensions and characteristics (load and speed indexes). We recommend that you never install in the same vehicle one tire of a different type or containing different load or speed index.
After pressure loss, check the rims for possible damage. Replace broken or distorted rims before mounting a new Run Flat tire.
How do I know if a tire is Run Flat?
After entering the appropriate dimension to select your new tires, Tyremarket will show you all the available tires of this dimension. Use the Runflat filter to select all available Run Flat tires.
From the description of the tire e.g. PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 205/55R16 91V r-f P7cint
From the marking on the side of the tire. In specifically approved tires for BMW vehicles, there are also the letters that symbolize the RSC Run Flat System Component.
Pirelli run flat
Pirelli recommends using Extended Hump (EH2) rims, which reduce the risk of bearing detachment in the event of pressure loss.
Can Standard tires be mounted on EH2 rims? In this case, will they function as Run Flat tires?
Standard tires may be mounted on EH2 rims but will not have Run Flat characteristics.
Can a run flat tire be mounted on standard rims H2; And in this case will it still function like a run flat tire and what are the implications?
Yes it is possible, although Pirelli recommends using EH2 rims because they guarantee improved retention of the tyre bead down to zero inflation pressure. In case a run flat tire operates at zero pressure on a H2 rim, if a Pirelli run flat is used in combination with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or air pressure warning system, the tire will maintain its run flat characteristics. A TPMS is required to alert the driver about pressure loss.
If one of my run flat tires is punctured can I replace it with a standard tire?
Pirelli does not recommend mixing run flat tires and standard ones on the same vehicle, even if combined into sets of the same axis. In the event of a puncture, the run flat tires are designed to continue to operate until the nearest workshop where the relevant inspection and, if necessary, replacement with another run flat tire will take place. In exceptional cases and emergencies, a standard tire of the same size, load and speed index for a limited time and distance may be placed. It should be noted that the standard tires do not have the same run flat characteristics as the rest and should be removed as soon as possible.
Can I combine Pirelli run flat tires with equivalent tires of another brand?
Yes, but Pirelli recommends that at 'run flat state' you must not exceed the distance of 80 km with a maximum speed of 80 km. / hr. The Pirelli recommends placing different brands of tires only in sets per axle, and check the pressure monitoring systems so that the pressure settings are compatible.
What are the effects on performance when my run flat tires are used in run flat (zero pressure) circumstances?
If the vehicle is operated within the prescribed speed of 80 km. / hr, the behavior will be affected only slightly, due to reduced power steering. The aquaplaning and braking remain almost the same. We recommend that you avoid steep maneuvers if a tire has completely lost its air pressure, especially if combined with standard H2 rims.
What is the tire balance.
When the wheel mass is not uniformly distributed along its circumference, during the vehicle’s movement oscillations are generated. These oscillations are transferred to the suspension and steering. The consequence is that at a certain range of speeds tremors are created ("screening") on the steering wheel or on the whole car body. The larger the unevenness, the stronger and at smaller speeds displayable is the “trembling”. Besides causing discomfort to the passengers, it also causes increased wear on the car’s mechanical parts and system links due to the continuous oscillation, as well as increased and uneven wear of the tires. The problem is solved by balancing the wheels.
During balancing, special counterweights are placed on the circumference of the wheel rim (special equipment indicates the exact position and the weight to be placed) so that the circumferential distribution of mass will again become uniform. The tire balance is usually performed outside the car. Each wheel is demounted and placed in the balancing equipment. The equipment moves the wheel and calculates the exact position and the weight to be placed.
