While most people think that tires only display their brands, tires actually contain information that may be relevant to you and your joy rides. Tires contain numbers and letters that have their own meanings. So you might want to check your tires and learn more about their specifications.
- Study the letters. First, you will find the two initials: M+S. This means the tire is made to roll on snow or mud quite easily. However, be cautious: this does not mean the tire is made for any kind of terrain unless otherwise indicated.
- Compare the other letter. Look at the next letter. A 'P', meaning passenger, indicates that this tire is specifically manufactured for passenger automobiles. This is the most common tire on cars you see on roads and streets.
- Look at the three numbers. The three digits 185 might differ from those on your own tires. These digits mean that the tire has a section width of 185 mm. The section width is the measurement from the outside of one tire wall to the outside of the opposite wall.
- Check the digits after the slash. You will see the number 80. This is the aspect ratio relating to height and width. The height is measured from the tire's inner circumference to the top of the tread—the part at the surface that touches the road. The lower the tire's aspect ratio, the shorter and wider it will be.
- Study the next letter. 'R' stands for radial tire. 'B' represents belted bias tires, and 'D' signifies bias ply tires. Radial tires have stronger treads, while belted bias tires offer smoother rides and traction. Bias ply tires, on the other hand, are more efficient on rough terrain, although they provide weak plies and a weak tread.
- Take note of the last digit. The last digit tells you your vehicle's rim size. If you see 15, it means your vehicle has a 15-inch rim. When a salesman asks for your tire size, this is what he is asking for.
- Know how to calculate. When you are getting the replacement size of your tire, you must do some calculations. 205/50-15 would mean that your tire's tread width measures 205 mm, the tire's height is 50% greater than its width, and that your tire would fit on a 15-inch rim.
- Convert. If you want to convert this measurement to inches, just divide 205 by 25.4. You will get about 8.07 inches. Take 50% of this result, and you have about 4.04. Multiply it by 2, and you get 8.07 once again. Add the last digit of your measurement, which is 15 inches. So your tire is about 23 inches tall.
If you have doubts, tire experts and salesmen are always available to assist you, so it is still recommended to seek their expertise.
How to Read a Tire Size
How to Read a Tire Size : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.
While most people think that tires only display their brands, tires actually contain information that may be relevant to you and your joy rides. Tires contain numbers and letters that have their own meanings. So you might want to check your tires and learn more about their specifications.
- Study the letters. First, you will find the two initials: M+S. This means the tire is made to roll on snow or mud quite easily. However, be cautious: this does not mean the tire is made for any kind of terrain unless otherwise indicated.
- Compare the other letter. Look at the next letter. A 'P', meaning passenger, indicates that this tire is specifically manufactured for passenger automobiles. This is the most common tire on cars you see on roads and streets.
- Look at the three numbers. The three digits 185 might differ from those on your own tires. These digits mean that the tire has a section width of 185 mm. The section width is the measurement from the outside of one tire wall to the outside of the opposite wall.
- Check the digits after the slash. You will see the number 80. This is the aspect ratio relating to height and width. The height is measured from the tire's inner circumference to the top of the tread—the part at the surface that touches the road. The lower the tire's aspect ratio, the shorter and wider it will be.
- Study the next letter. 'R' stands for radial tire. 'B' represents belted bias tires, and 'D' signifies bias ply tires. Radial tires have stronger treads, while belted bias tires offer smoother rides and traction. Bias ply tires, on the other hand, are more efficient on rough terrain, although they provide weak plies and a weak tread.
- Take note of the last digit. The last digit tells you your vehicle's rim size. If you see 15, it means your vehicle has a 15-inch rim. When a salesman asks for your tire size, this is what he is asking for.
- Know how to calculate. When you are getting the replacement size of your tire, you must do some calculations. 205/50-15 would mean that your tire's tread width measures 205 mm, the tire's height is 50% greater than its width, and that your tire would fit on a 15-inch rim.
- Convert. If you want to convert this measurement to inches, just divide 205 by 25.4. You will get about 8.07 inches. Take 50% of this result, and you have about 4.04. Multiply it by 2, and you get 8.07 once again. Add the last digit of your measurement, which is 15 inches. So your tire is about 23 inches tall.
If you have doubts, tire experts and salesmen are always available to assist you, so it is still recommended to seek their expertise.