Tire markings
The sidewall of every tire carries a series of markings that describe the tire's dimensions, properties and intended use.
Tire size (e.g. 205/55R16 91V)
205 = width in millimeters, 55 = profile height as % of width, R = radial construction, 16 = rim diameter in inches, 91 = load index (615 kg), V = speed rating (up to 240 km/h).
Load index (LI)
Maximum load per tire. The value in your owner's manual is a minimum — a higher index is always allowed, a lower one is not.
Speed rating
Letter code (T = 190, H = 210, V = 240, W = 270, Y = 300 km/h). Winter tires may have a lower speed rating than the car (M+S marking is mandatory).
XL / Reinforced
Reinforced construction tire that handles higher inflation pressure and load. Suitable for EVs and heavier vehicles.
Run-Flat (RF, ROF, SSR, ZP)
A tire that allows limited-speed driving even after pressure loss. Requires a compatible TPMS and often a special mounting procedure.
FSL / FR / MFS — rim protector
An extra rib on the sidewall that protects the rim edge against curbs and potholes. Especially important for expensive alloy wheels.
3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake)
The snowflake symbol means the tire meets strict winter grip requirements. In Estonia, such tires are allowed for winter use as friction tires.
M+S (Mud and Snow)
Originally designed for rough terrain. Today the M+S marking alone is NOT sufficient as a winter tire — prefer tires with the 3PMSF marking.
How to choose the right tires
Estonia has 4 distinct seasons, and a properly equipped car should have at least two sets of tires.
Summer tires
Used when the average daily temperature stays above +7°C. Harder compound, better grip on dry and wet asphalt, lower fuel consumption.
Lamell (friction) winter tires
Soft winter compound and dense lamellation. Quiet, often available with 3PMSF marking. Best for city driving and well-maintained roads.
Studded tires
Hard studs give the best grip on ice and packed snow. Noisier and wear faster on asphalt. Allowed in Estonia from October 15 to March 31.
All-season tires
A compromise between summer and winter. Suitable for low-mileage vehicles and milder climates. In Estonian winters they are inferior to dedicated winter tires.
Light-truck tires (C-tires)
C-tires (Commercial) are reinforced tires designed for light commercial vehicles and vans. Mandatory for vans up to 3.5 t when used for commercial purposes.
When do I need C-tires?
If your vehicle was originally fitted with C-tires from the factory, you must keep using them. You'll see it in the size, e.g. 195/65R15C 95/93H. A C-tire handles roughly 30% more load than the same-size passenger tire.
Light-truck tire types
We carry all light-truck tire types: summer (summer light truck), friction winter (winter light truck friction), studded (winter light truck with studs), studdable friction (studdable) and all-season (all season light truck).
Rim ABCs
Choosing a rim isn't only about its size — several other parameters must match the car, otherwise the rim simply won't fit.
Diameter
Rim size in inches (15", 16", 17", etc.). Must match the tire's marking.
PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter)
Bolt circle diameter and bolt count (e.g. 5x112 = 5 bolts on a 112 mm circle). Must match the car's hub exactly.
ET (Offset)
Hub offset from the rim's center plane in millimeters. The wrong ET can cause the tire to rub against the suspension or body.
CB (Center Bore)
The diameter of the rim's center bore. If the rim CB is bigger than the hub, you'll need centering rings; smaller doesn't fit at all.
Bolts and nuts
Changing rims often requires new bolts/nuts (especially when switching between steel and alloy). Cone type and thread dimensions matter.
Care and storage
Tire pressure check
Check tire pressure at least once a month and before longer trips. Correct pressure improves fuel economy, extends tire life and increases safety. The recommended pressure is on the driver's door jamb.
Tread depth
Legal minimum is 1.6 mm; for winter tires 3 mm. We recommend replacing already at 4 mm because wet grip drops sharply below that.
Tire storage
Store tires in a dry, cool, dark place between +5°C and +25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight, solvents, oil and fuel. Tires without rims should be stored standing upright.
Tire rotation
Swap front and rear tires every 8,000–10,000 km — this evens out wear and extends tire life.
Tire age and the DOT code
Every tire has a DOT code on its sidewall that tells you when it was made. Old rubber stiffens and grip degrades — even if the tread looks fine.
How to read the DOT code
The last four digits of the DOT code give the production date — e.g. 2419 means week 24 of 2019. The two-digit version (DOT22 = 2022) is also used in A-Velg tire names.
When is a tire too old?
Rule of thumb: the gap between manufacture date and the start of the season shouldn't exceed 6 years (passenger tire) or 4 years (winter tire). Tires older than 10 years are not recommended at all.
Selling older tires
We also sell tires with a manufacture date older than 3 years — these are discounted, but the MANUFACTURER WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY. Always check the DOT code before buying (we mark it in the product info).