What Does the V Code on Tires Mean? Here's How to Read It!

When you are about to change your car tire, you will certainly see several codes displayed on the tire, one of which is the V code. So what does the V code on the tire mean? Do you already know? If not, let's find out its meaning by paying attention to the following review.

What Does the V Code on Car Tires Mean?

The V code on the tire is a code for the speed index scale which means that the tire with this code can be used at a speed of 240 km per hour. Tires with this code are high-performance tires and are usually used on sedans or sports cars.

How to Read Tire Codes

After you know the meaning of the V code, you need to know other codes displayed on car tires along with how to read them. The complete method is as follows.

1. How to Read Tire Type

The tire type code is the first thing that is often read when changing tires. This code usually contains the letters “P”, “T”, “LT”, and “ST”. The complete meaning of the codes is as follows.

P: Passenger (tires specifically used for passenger transport vehicles).
T: Temporary (spare tire).
LT: Light Truck (tires for light trucks).
ST: Special Trailer (tires specifically for trailer vehicles).

2. How to Read Tire Width

After the tire type code, you will usually find three series of numbers, such as 195, 205, or 215. These three series of numbers represent the tire width code. If your car tire has the code 195, it means the width of your car tire is 195 mm.

3. How to Read Aspect Ratio

After the tire width code, there is usually a code regarding the aspect ratio of the tire marked with a slash followed by two numbers. For example: 50, or 75, and so on.

These two series of numbers are codes to indicate the distance between the asphalt surface and the rim edge, measured in percentage. A code of 50 can be interpreted that your car tire can be used at a distance of 50%. If your car tire has the code 205/50, it means the distance between the asphalt and the rim edge is 102.5 mm.

4. How to Read Tire Construction

After the aspect ratio code, there is a letter code “R” which means “Radial”. This code indicates the tire construction that your car tire is made of steel fiber layers.

5. How to Read Rim Diameter

After the construction code, there is usually a rim diameter code written with two numbers, such as 14, 15, or 17.

6. How to Read Maximum Load Index Code

Next, there is a maximum load index code which means that the car tire can withstand a load according to the specified standard. For example: a load index code of 75 indicates that the tire can carry a load of 387.

7. How to Read Maximum Speed Code

Next, there is the maximum speed code or speed index scale. This code is like the “V” code that has been explained earlier. The complete speed codes are as follows.

H: 210 km/h.
M: 130 km/h.
N: 140 km/h.
P: 150 km/h.
Q: 160 km/h.
R: 170 km/h.
S: 180 km/h.
T: 190 km/h.
U: 200 km/h.
V: 240 km/h.
W: 270 km/h.
8. How to Read Tire Qualification Code

On car tires, there is also an SNI or DOT code indicating that the marketed tires comply with Indonesian national standards or other regulatory bodies.

9. How to Read Tire Identification Number Code

Next, there is a code with 12 series of numbers. This code indicates the location of tire manufacturing and the time of tire production.

If you intend to change tires, it is best to replace them at the official Daihatsu workshop so that the installed tires meet the manufacturer's standards.

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