When it comes to driving, it’s vital that your tyres are a perfect fit. Mismatched or unequal tyres canlead to incorrect readings on your speedo, and affect your car’s steering, accelerating, braking, and handling. Available in a huge range of sizes, it can be difficult to know which vehicle tyres are best suited to your car. Being able to read tyre specifications will ensure you purchase the right tyres every time. For great deals on a huge range of tyres, Sunbury’s Elite Tyres is your leading choice. Read on for more information to help you read and understand your tyre size.
Reading Your Tyre Size
While creating vehicle tyres involves a lot of science, maths, and engineering, working out tyre sizes is actually quite straightforward.
All the specifications you need to identify and choose a set of new tyres can be easily found inside your car. You can find this information in several places:
- In your vehicle owner’s manual – this will tell you your car’s recommended tyre size as well as their recommended inflation pressure.
- Inside the driver-side door jamb – the details should be located on a metal placard attached to the inside of the door jamb.
- On the sidewalls of your current tyres – probably the easiest and most up to date place to find tyre specifications. The specs are embossed into the rubber, so they are clearly visible.
Understanding What the Numbers and Letters Mean
It’s essential to understand what the numbers and letters on your tyre mean. The code will appear in the flowing order:
Width – The first three-digit number refers to the tyre’s width in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall when mounted and inflated to the recommended pressure. For example, if the number is 215, the tyre’s width is 215 millimetres.
Aspect Ratio – Next you will find a two-digit number, which is the aspect ratio. This is the height of the sidewall from the wheel rim to the top of the tyre’s tread, expressed as a percentage of the tyre’s width. For example, if the number is 60, the sidewall height is 60% of the tyre’s width.
Construction – The letter “R” indicates the tyre’s construction, which is radial.
Wheel Diameter – The next number is the wheel diameter, which is measured in inches. This number indicates the size of the wheel that the tyre is designed to fit. For example, if the number is 16, the tyre is designed to fit on a 16-inch wheel.
Load Index and Speed Symbol – The maximum load capacity under which your tyre can safely operate, and at what speed. This is subject to the tyre being in sound condition, correctly fitted, and with the recommended inflation pressure. To understand the tyre load and speed symbols you will need to refer to the relevant tables.
A tyre size of 195/65R16 91V means the tyre has a width of 195mm, an aspect ratio of 65, a radial construction, and is designed to fit on a 16-inch wheel. 91 means the tyre can take a max load of 615kg while V means it can operate safely up to 240km/ph.
Do You Need New Tyres? Sunbury Drivers Rely on Us
As your one-stop-shop for all tyre and auto care needs, our team is here to help with great prices on leading tyre brands including Bridgestone, Continental and more. The qualified technicians in our Sunbury and Melton workshops are experts in tyre fitting, balancing, and repairs. Visit us today or make an appointment online now.
