A Quick Guide To Tyre Size: Understanding The Numbers On Your Tyre

 Although tyres are one of the most important components of your car, they seldom give much thought. As such, buying your vehicle's tyres becomes a chore. But what many don’t realize is how important it is to buy the right tyres. Generally, you will approach a mechanic to order a set of tyres. But do you actually know what type of tyres you actually require?

You will find a set of numbers on the side if you see a new tyre. These numbers tell you everything about the tyre. Thus, understanding the numbers on your tyre should be a priority if you want to stay in tune with your car's maintenance. By doing so, not only will you be able to identify the correct tyres your car requires, but you will also be informed of your purchase without relying on anyone else.

How To Measure Tyres?

In order to understand what these numbers and letters are, first you should know how tyres are actually measured. A tyre needs to be the right size before it can be mounted on a vehicle. Using either a bigger or smaller tyre will lead to complications that, in the long run, can result in accidents. Thus, learning about tyre sizes and measurements is also helpful in keeping you safe on the roads. 

Tires are generally measured using their diameter, width, sectional height, and aspect ratio of their height to their width. Furthermore, you will find that every tyre comes with a distinct speed rating and a load index, denoting the maximum speed it can handle as well as the weight it can bear. So, the next time you are up for buying some Tyres Uxbridge, be sure to read the size correctly, 

Every tyre will have three numbers specifying the following:

  • Tyre Width: Always the first three numbers in the series.
  • Aspect Ratios: The next two numbers that come after tyre width denote its aspect ratio.
  • Diameter: Lastly, the last two numbers show a tyre’s diameter. 

You will also find a letter in between these numbers that denotes its build. For example, an R stands for Radial, while a D stands for diagonal.

What Are Tyre Type Codes?

Other than the numbers, you also have to understand what the letters mean on a tyre. These are generally tyre-type codes that denote the specific purpose of the tyre. For example:

  • P: It stands for passenger tyres.
  • LT: It is used for light trucks, SUVs, and heavy-duty pickups.
  • ST: Tyres for special trailers, typically utility, passenger vehicles, or boat trailers.
  • T: Temporary tyre or a spare tyre.
  • C: For use in commercial vehicles only.

Width Of The Tyre

Now that you know the basic knowledge behind the numbers and letters, it's time to understand how they actually work. As we mentioned above, the first three digits in the series show the section width of the tyre. It means the distance from the inner sidewall to the outer sidewall. Section width is measured in millimetres. 

The width of your tyre plays an important role in your driving, as it impacts your tyre’s direct road contact. It further affects traction, friction, stability, and car handling. Thus, a wider tyre will offer a better grip but increase resistance and fuel consumption. 

It is also important to know how wide your tyres are in order to properly mount them on your wheel rim. But first, be sure to convert the value into inches.

Tyre’s Aspect Ratio

After the width, the next two numbers show the aspect ratio of your tyre. It is the tyre’s height-to-width ratio, measured in percentage. For example, if the aspect ratio of a tyre is 55 or 55% and the width is 205mm, then you can figure out the height. (It is 112.75mm). 

While there are tyres that come without any aspect ratio numbers, it is still something to take into account when purchasing new tyres. Typically, a tyre can be a full-profile tyre when it has a high ratio. Meaning, that the height of the tyre’s sidewall is at least 80% or more than its width. Such tyres are more commonly used in vehicles that demand a robust and comfortable drive. 

High-aspect ratio tyres offer more comfort and a smoother ride, but they compromise your handling at higher speeds. On the other hand, low aspect ratio tyres enhance your cornering abilities and steering in exchange for comfort.

Construction

The build of the tyre is directly related to its performance and durability. And by build, we are talking about the internal structure of the tyre which is made up of layers of fiber cords bonded together using rubber. It is the combination that gives tyres their strength. So, you can imagine how different types of build can impact the proposed use of a tyre.

Generally, there are three different types of tyre construction or build:

  • R - Radial Construction. It is a modern tyre where the fibre cord plies go directly to the circumference of the tyre at a proper angle. These plies are then also supported with reinforced steel belts. Today, such tyres comprise more than 98% of the total tyre market.
  • D - Diagonal construction. The older method of molding a tyre is where the fiber plies are used to crisscross their way diagonally.
  • B - Bias-belt construction. An improvement over the typical R tyres. Extra steel belts are used to reinforce the plies, and you can even find materials like fibreglass or steel running under these plies.

Rim Diameter

Lastly, you have the rim diameter, which is the number after the letter that denotes construction. It shows the diameter of the tyre and the rim it should be mounted on. To properly install a tyre on a vehicle, you have to make sure that the tyre and the rim of the wheel have the same diameter

Location: Uxbridge, UK

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