Car tyres play a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle's stability across various driving conditions. However, to ensure optimal performance and safety, it is essential to have the correct tyre size for your car. Tyre sizes come in an overwhelming array of options, and it's easy to choose one that isn't suitable for your vehicle.
To choose the best tyres for your vehicle, it's important to understand the tyre markings displayed on your car's tyres. This will help you determine if the current tyres are the most suitable for your vehicle.
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Typically, tyre size information is molded into the sidewall of the tyre and appears as a series of numbers and letters around its edge. To locate this information, you may need to kneel next to the tyre and look for the start of the sequence, which is usually written in large characters.
You can also find these number and letter sequences in your car’s user manual, which is provided by the manufacturer and contains accurate information about the correct tyre sizes for your vehicle.
The sequence is divided into several distinct parts, each providing specific information about the tyre and its characteristics. The breakdown is as follows:
- Section Width: The width of the tyre in millimeters.The first number represents the width of the tyre in millimetres from one sidewall to the other.
- Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the tyre's height to its width, expressed as a percentage.
The tyre aspect ratio formula is a simple calculation used to determine the percentage representing the tyre’s sidewall height relative to its width. The formula for calculating the aspect ratio is:
- Aspect Ratio = (Sidewall Height / Tyre Width) x 100
- Rim Diameter: The diameter of the rim the tyre is designed to fit, measured in inches.
- Speed:The maximum speed at which the tyre can safely operate.
After tyre sizes and the load index code, you'll find a single letter. This is the 'speed rating' of the tyre - and it means that this model of tyre has been tested up to a certain maximum speed.
Tyre Information: Ratings Explained
Speed ratings actually start from A - but this lower speed rating tyres tend to only be used for rating the speed on specialist vehicles and machinery.
- Q: Up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
- R: Up to 106 mph (170 km/h)
- S: Up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
- T: Up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
- U: Up to 124 mph (200 km/h)
- H: Up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
- V: Up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
- W: Up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
- Y: Up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
- (Y): Over 186 mph (300 km/h)
These ratings are crucial for ensuring that the tyres can handle the speeds your vehicle may reach, especially under various driving conditions. Using tyres with the correct speed rating helps maintain safety and performance.
The sequence of numbers and letters are always the same font and form, and usually stand out from any other writing on the side of the tyre.
For example, you might find the following around your tyre – 215 60 R 16 95H
This would mean:
- 215– the tyre section width in millimetres
- 60 – the aspect ratio in % (the height of the sidewall divided by the width of the tyre)
- R – Denotes the tyre's construction type - in this case it's a radial tyre
- 16– Rim diameter in inches
- 95– Load Index
- H –Speed Rating
Choose the right tyres
When selecting tyres, it's essential to opt for a size that's suited to your vehicle. However, if you modify your car, which is a popular practice, you might need to reconsider your choice of tyres.
One key consideration is the load capacity of the tyre, which refers to the maximum weight it can support at any given time. Changes to your car’s weight—whether reducing it for enhanced speed and agility, or increasing it by installing a bigger engine or heavier equipment—necessitate a reassessment of this factor to ensure the tyres can handle the new load.
Tyre width is another aspect to think about. Adjusting the width can lend a more athletic look to your vehicle and improve its stability on the road. However, it's crucial to strike a balance; opting for tyres that are too narrow or too wide can disrupt the car's handling and might cause the tyres to rub against the wheel arch, which can be dangerous.
Lastly, consider the diameter of the tyres. Altering the wheel diameter for aesthetic reasons can affect how the speedometer and odometer function, as these changes alter the tyre’s circumference.
Why are tyres important?
Many drivers often overlook the importance of their car's tyres, yet focusing more on them could significantly enhance road safety.
Here are some compelling reasons:
- Tyre defects play a role in nearly double the number of accidents compared to mobile phone usage.
- Each tyre not meeting legal standards could result in three penalty points on your driving license.
- Every year, tyre issues are responsible for approximately 2.2 million MOT (vehicle inspection) failures.
- Tyre-related problems have led to 5,375 casualties and fatalities in recent years.
Additionally, in heavy rain, a well-maintained tyre can displace enough water to fill a bucket in just seven seconds. However, a tyre with insufficient tread can cause a vehicle to hydroplane at any speed, drastically reducing control and increasing the risk of an accident.
In summary, maintaining safe tyres is crucial for the safety of both the driver and others on the road.
Ensure that your tyres are the appropriate size with the right maximum speed rating, and always verify that the load index matches your driving needs.
Tyres are a critical component—always consult with a professional when purchasing them, and avoid taking shortcuts.
