It is always a good idea to make sure you have a spare tyre. To pick the right kind of tyre for your vehicle, you should be able to determine the correct size of your tyres.
If you are a new vehicle owner, the markings on your tyres may be bewildering and confusing. To ensure that you buy the right tyre for your vehicle, we have created this short guide. By the end of this blog, you will be able to understand what the letters and numbers on the side of your tyre mean. These markings indicate the size of your tyres, as well as their capabilities, composition and other dimensions.
To begin, take a look at your tyre. You might be able to find a series of markings such as 185/55R/15/87H, 195/65R/15/95T or 205/65R/16/99H. The first 3 numbers indicate the width of the tyre in millimetres. The next 2 numbers indicate your tyre’s aspect ratio.
What do these tyre sizes mean? These elements indicate your tyre’s height and width. When the time comes to buy a new set of tyres, you already know what tyres would fit your vehicle. Basically, all the information you need is indicated by the markings on your tyre. All you need to do is look, read, and understand the series of markings.
Width:
The width of a tyre is determined by measuring the tyre sidewall to sidewall, including any added items such as raised letters and kerbing ribs. When upgrading your tyre size, you must put these facts into consideration, especially because tyres from different manufacturers vary in their overall width even when the tyre size is the same. A tyre’s actual width is bigger than the tread’s width and the width is measured in millimetres.
The profile or aspect ratio:
The width of a tyre is determined by measuring the tyre sidewall to sidewall, including any added items such as raised letters and kerbing ribs. When upgrading your tyre size, you must put these facts into consideration, especially because tyres from different manufacturers vary in their overall width even when the tyre size is the same. A tyre’s actual width is bigger than the tread’s width and the width is measured in millimetres.
The letter ‘R’ indicates that your tyre is manufactured through radial construction. It is a tyre technology where cord plies are placed radially from the centre of the tyre in a 90-degree angle. Most of the tyres are manufactured in this way. The other types of tyre construction are bias belt (indicated by the letter ‘B’) and diagonal (indicated by the letter ‘D’).
Rim size:
Rim size is measured in inches. To get tyres with the perfect rim size, the tyre's inner diameter should match the outer diameter of the wheel. The measurements are taken from the wheel flange where the tyre sits to the same point on the other side. Most modern cars today have the prefix R for Radial, which refers to the tyre's construction type. The rim is the frame that keeps the tyre together. To determine its diameter, you just need to measure the distance from bead to bead. The unit of rim size measurement is usually in inches. The typical range of rim sizes is between 12 inches to 28 inches; mostly 15 inches, 16 inches and 17 inches.
Load capacity:
Represented by a number, the load rating or load index is the maximum weight that can be carried by a car when it is properly inflated and working at full speed, which is 210kph for most cars. The tyre manufacturer knows the best capacity that your car can handle. It ranges from 0-279, and each value is associated with a corresponding weight.
Speed rating:
The speed rating is indicated using a letter in all passenger car types. Speed rating shows the maximum speed at which the tyre can be operated. Are you experiencing any tyre-related problems? Do you need to purchase new tyres? Do you live in Swindon or the surrounding areas? All you need to do is get in touch with the automobile experts of Imperial Tyres today!
Imperial Tyres is a major supplier of a large range of tyre brands and tyre sizes that are suitable for all vehicles (cars, trucks, vans, agricultural, plant, mower and forklifts). They are the leading company in Swindon that can provide the best wheel alignment and balancing technics for cars and HGVs, no matter how small or big the vehicle is. They are using the very latest equipment from hunter engineering. They can also reset and calibrate the ADAS (advanced driver assist system) with the Hella Gutmann system.
If you want to save money on new tyres, you can simply book online with Imperial Tyres. They can even help you choose the tyres that are right for your vehicle and have it booked in with the team on your preferred date! To enquire or get a quote, reach out on 01793 531990 or sales@imperialtyres.co.uk!