What mean all these numbers on your tyres?

NorGal – stock.adobe.com

Frédéric Mercier

Friday, July 7, 2017 13:09

UPDATE
Friday, July 7, 2017 13:09

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The tires are of paramount importance for your safety. And yet, too few people seem to worry about it.

Among the many codes listed on the sidewall of a tire, there are a few that motorists need to be aware of. Here’s six.

The dimensions

The dimension of a tire is presented in the following form: – Width/Height R Diameter inside.

For example, a tire with the code would indicate the 215/60R16 would adopt the following characteristics:

Width of 215 millimeters
Height of 60% relative to the width
Rim diameter of 16 inches

Yes, it is a little complicated, and there is reason to ask why the width is expressed with the metric system while the diameter continues to use the imperial system. But hey, this is how it works!

The “R” indicates that it is a radial tire. Almost all tires sold today are configured as well.

Read also: 3 signs that it is time to change tyres

The type of tire

Before the code of dimensions, is usually found the letter “P”. This indicates that the tire is constructed for a vehicle of usual walk. The code “LT”, for its part, refers to tires that are dedicated for light trucks and SUVS.

The load index

After the code, dimensions, a number represents the load that is capable of handling a tire. For example, a score of 94 represents a load capacity of 1477 pounds. A complete picture of the meaning of the load index can be found at merchants tire.

The speed rating

Just to the side of the load index is a letter which indicates the maximum speed at which you can drive around with your tire. Basically, here is what these letters represent:

P – 150 km/h
Q – 160 km/h
R – 170 km/h
S – 180 km/h
T – 190 km/h
U – 200 km/h
H – 210 km/h
V – 240 km/h
Z – More than 240 km/h

As the speed limits are 100 km/h, you should never have trouble with this rating. Except that it is always good to know!

Inflation maximum

The sides of the registration “Maxload”, numbers indicate the maximum air pressure for cold tires can receive without damage to its structure.

The date of manufacture

Thanks to a code called DOT, it is possible to know when was built your tire. The last four digits of the DOT code indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a code indicating “2712” refers to a tyre built in the 27th week of 2012.

Even if the tread of a tire is still thick enough, it is recommended to change a tire with the date of manufacture is over 10 years old.

By analyzing the sidewall of your tires, you will realize that there is a myriad of information on them. But by knowing the six information listed above you will be able to know the essential specific characteristics of your tyres.