In Malaysia, tyre sizes are represented by size markings that might read something like: 175/70R13 82H, or 155/80R13 82S. These are know as millimetric radial ply sizes. And you’ll find them on your tyres’ sidewalls.

The diagram on the right tells you what the numbers and letters in the markings stand for.

The load index (LI) indicates the maximum load a normal tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol (eg. The H in the above marking). You can determine this maximum load by referring to the two tables on the left.

For instance, if the load index of a tyre is 82 and its speed symbol is H, the tyre can carry a maximum load of 475 kg at the speed of 210 km/h.

A word of caution on tyre sizes:
Never rely on only the section width to determine a tyre size. 185/80R14 is not the same size as 185/70R14. Nor is 175/70R13 bigger than 165/80R 13.

To be safe, always quote the size marking in full to avoid buying the wrong tyres.