Six Simple Steps to Read an OTR Tire

1. Tyre Manufacturer
   Every tyre manufacturer places its company name on the tyre. Usually this is the most obvious text or logo on a tyre, regardless of the type of tyre. Of course, we used a Magna for this example.
2. Range Name
   Not every tyre is developed for the same purpose so to differentiate the tyre ranges, each model is named differently. In most cases, this is, Together with the tyre brand’s name, the most prominent text on a tyre. In this case, our MA02 model is displayed.
3. Tyre Width
   When selecting a tyre, it is not only important to pay attention to the purpose the tyre is designed for. Arguably the most important selection is choosing a tyre that actually fits your vehicle. Rims come in all kinds of sizing so you need a corresponding size tyre. As you can see, the featured Magna MA02 is constructed in size 26.5R25. That means the tyre has a 26.5 inch width.
4. Construction
   Tyres can be constructed in various ways. each method has it’s own purposes. In this case, the R in 26.5R25 indicates that the tyre is constructed as a Radial.
5. Wheel Diameter
   Like we mentioned earlier, tyres need to fit a rim and we already discussed the width. The 25 in 26.5R25 means this particular Magna MA02 fits a rim diameter of 25 inches.
6. TRA Code
   At number 6, you can read the TRA Code. TRA is an international benchmark that was developed by the Tyre and Rim Association (TRA) and has been validated by various other international reputable associations such as the International Standard Organisation (ISO), the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) and the Japan Automobile Tyres Manufacturers (JATMA). In our example, the tyre has an E3+ TRA code, which stands for Earthmover (E) with a normal tread depth (3). This code corresponds with a standardised table, developed by the above mentioned organisations.

If you want to look more closely at all the tyre markings, you can read this article on how to read extra tyre markings.