Car Tyre Buying Guide Pakistan 2026: Size, Date Code & Tread Checks

Before buying new tyres in Pakistan, read three things on the sidewall: the size code (for example 185/65 R15), the load index and speed rating (for example 88H), and the four-digit date code (for example 3225 = week 32 of 2025). Replace any tyre whose tread has worn down to the built-in wear bars. Avoid "new" tyres that have sat in a warehouse for years. This guide explains each marking and how to check a used car's tyres before you buy it.

Step 1: Find the right size for your car

Your car's correct tyre size is printed in the owner's manual, and on many cars it's also on a sticker inside the driver's door frame or fuel flap. Copy the size from there, not from the old tyres, because a previous owner may have fitted the wrong size.

Here's how to read a size code, using 185/65 R15 as an example:

A lower aspect ratio (such as 55 instead of 65) means a thinner sidewall. That looks sporty but gives a harsher ride and is easier to damage in potholes, which is a real concern on broken roads and unpaved village tracks.

Step 2: Check the load index and speed rating

After the size, you'll see a number and a letter, such as 88H.

• Load index (88): a code showing how much weight each tyre can safely carry. Higher numbers mean more capacity. Never fit a lower load index than the manufacturer specifies, especially if you often carry a full family or goods.
• Speed rating (H): the maximum sustained speed the tyre is built for. Common ratings include T (190 km/h), H (210 km/h) and V (240 km/h).

You won't drive at those speeds in Pakistan, but a speed rating also reflects how the tyre is built. Stick to the rating in your owner's manual or higher.

Step 3: Read the date code (the step most buyers skip)

Look for a code starting with DOT near the rim. The last four digits show when the tyre was made: the first two digits are the week and the last two are the year.

Rubber hardens with age even when a tyre has never been used, so a tyre that looks new can still be old. When you buy new tyres:

• Check the date on every tyre before it's fitted, not just one.
• Politely refuse old stock and ask for a fresher batch.
• Make sure all tyres on the same axle are the same brand, model and size.

Not every tyre carries the full "DOT" marking, since it's a US requirement. Most still show a four-digit week-and-year code somewhere on the sidewall.

Step 4: Check tread depth and damage

Inside the main grooves you'll find small raised bars called tread wear indicators (often marked "TWI" or with a small triangle on the shoulder). Once the tread is level with these bars, the tyre needs replacing straight away.

Many countries set a legal minimum of 1.6 mm. Tyre makers such as Pirelli recommend replacing at around 3 mm for safety, because grip on wet roads, dust and sand drops sharply as tread wears.

Also check for:

• Bulges or bubbles on the sidewall, which signal internal damage. Replace the tyre immediately.
• Cracks in the sidewall or between tread blocks, a sign of age or sun damage.
• Uneven wear. Wear on only the inner or outer edge usually points to an alignment problem. Wear in the centre suggests over-inflation, and wear on both edges suggests under-inflation.
• Several puncture plugs close together, or any repair on the sidewall.

Using tyres to judge a used car

Tyres tell you a lot about how a used car has been looked after:

• Four mismatched brands can mean the owner always bought the cheapest tyre available.
• Uneven wear on the front tyres points to alignment or suspension problems, which can be costly.
• Very old date codes on tyres with plenty of tread suggest the car has barely been driven. That can be good, but old rubber still needs replacing.
• Brand-new tyres on a high-mileage car can be fine, but check the suspension and alignment anyway.

Budget for replacement tyres when you negotiate. If they're near the wear bars or more than a few years old, mention it to the seller. For a full mechanical and body check by a professional, book a car inspection in Quetta before you pay.

Tips for Quetta and Balochistan drivers

• Winter pressure drops. Tyre pressure falls as the temperature drops, so check pressures (cold, before driving) more often from November to February.
• Long highway trips. Before driving the N-25 or N-65, check all tyres, including the spare, for pressure, cuts and age. Heat and long distances find weak tyres fast.
• Rough roads. If you regularly drive on broken or unpaved roads, consider staying with the manufacturer's standard size and sidewall rather than a lower-profile upgrade.
• Keep the spare useful. A spare that's ten years old or flat won't help you between towns.

Looking for a car with good tyres and a clean history? Browse used cars, compare new car prices, or sell your car free on QuettaWheels.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check how old a tyre is? Find the four-digit code on the sidewall, usually after the letters DOT. The first two digits are the week and the last two are the year, so 3225 means week 32 of 2025.

What does 185/65 R15 mean on a tyre? It means the tyre is 185 mm wide, its sidewall height is 65% of that width, it has radial construction, and it fits a 15-inch rim.

When should I replace my car tyres? Replace them when the tread reaches the wear-indicator bars, or earlier if you see sidewall bulges, deep cracks or uneven wear. Many tyre makers recommend replacing at around 3 mm of tread.

Can I fit a different tyre size from the one in my manual? It's safest to stick to the size, load index and speed rating in your owner's manual. A different size can affect braking, the speedometer and ride comfort.

Sources: Pirelli – How to read your tyre (accessed Nov 2026); Bridgestone UK – Tyre sidewall information (accessed Nov 2026).

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