What do the numbers on tires mean?
We need to be aware of the parameters that govern tire performance.The tire sizes are determined by the type, width, aspect ratio, speed rating, tire construction type and service description.
There are two organizations that influence tire standards.
When we use tire type P or P-Metric, it means that the tire is made according to the standards of the United States.
It refers to the Euro-metric if there are no letters at the beginning.Load capacities are different between the P-metric and Euro-metrics.
Special trailer tires are meant for trailers.Including but not limited to boat trailers, utility trailers and 5th wheels.The tires should not be used on cars.
The tire width is determined from the side of the tire.The number is represented by a three digit number.
This is the width and height of the tire.The height is equal to 60 percent of the width in the above illustration.
This factor shows the tire's reaction to the road.The thicker the tire is, the bigger the aspect ratio.The larger aspect ratio may compromise the handling of heavy vehicles.
They provide a more comfortable ride as there is more air in the tires, which can cushion bumps.
The style of the tire is marked by this letter.The tire construction type shown in the above example isradial.
R or "radial" tires are the most popular type of tire.The cable plies are in the carcass of the tire.The crown is made of plies.
A better grip on the road on radial tires results in a more comfortable ride.The point of contact is uniform and the tires will wear evenly.
There is a carcass that consists of cable plies.This is referred to as crossply.
The footprint of this tire is longer than the radial tire, but it is also skinnier, which provides less grip on the road and offers a more rigid ride.Bias tires can affect handling at high speeds.
The diameter of the wheel from one end to the other is the size.It is spelled in inches.
When we need to use a spare tire, the wheel diameter will help us decide if it will fit on our wheel.
The maximum load that the tire can support is called the load index.The bigger the value, the more load it can bear.The carrying capacities correspond to the load indexes.In our example, the weight is 1047 lbs.
Light truck tires have two load indexes, unlike passenger tires, because they are mostly used on vehicles with dual rear wheels.The load capacity is marked by the first load index.The load capacity is marked by the second index.
For their load index, tires range from 70 to 126.The table below shows your load index rating and carrying capacity.
The rating indicates the tire's ability to handle a maximum speed with no degradation in performance.
An H rating has a maximum speed of 130 mph.A tire with a Z rating has no maximum speed.The rating is for more than 150 mph.Sports cars use the Z rating.
There could be more parameters for 2 or 3 wheelers.These are different purposes.The M/C indicates that the tire is only for motorcycles.
There are other parameters on the tire.Some of them are.