There’s much more information on the side of your tyre than just its size. Most of us have probably never paid any attention to the rest of the sidewall markings and just assumed that everything else is as it should be.
But as those four bits of rubber are the only things giving you any control over speed and direction of your car it is a good idea to understand what each of them mean, and why they are there.
So what do all those numbers and letters on a tyre mean? Well…
1. MANUFACTURER’S NAME
In this case Yokohama.
2. FITTING POSITION
Shows this is outside edge for tyres with asymmetrical tread patterns.
3. DATE OF MANUFACTURE
YYYY1708, the first two digits refer to the week, and the last two digits refer to the year. In this case, the 17th week of 2008.
4. CCC MARK
Shows tyre meets China Compulsory Certification requirements.
5. TUBELESS/ RE-INFORCED/RADIAL
Indicates that the tyre is tubeless, reinforced, and of radial construction.
6. ECE MARK
Markings show that the tyre meets the Economic Commission for Europe required standards.
7. BRAND/TREAD PATTERN NAME
In this case Yokohama Parada Spec2.
8. SAFETY WARNING
Mandatory label warning of dangers of incorrectly fitted or over or under inflated tyres.
9. TYRE SIZE
Indicates the dimensions and ratings of the tyre. In this case 215/40×17 and an ‘R’ speed rating.
