Car Tire Tips: You can get almost all the information about the tire from some numbers and alphabets written on the tire of your car. This number is embossed on the sidewall of the tyre. But it is not that easy, there are many codes in it, by reading which you can get details about it. To understand these numbers, we are going to give you information about the code here.
Tire Size
Suppose P215/65 R16 95H is written on the tire of a car, here the first letter P is written, that means this tire is made for passenger vehicle. Whereas if LT is written then this tire is made for light trucks.
Width
In the example given after the P, 215 is written, this number is the width measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
Height
In the example the number after the slash is 65, which is the ratio of the tyre. That is, it tells the percentage of sidewall height in relation to the width of the tyre. That is, the height of the sidewall is 65 percent of the width of the tyre. Tires with more sidewall are more comfortable to drive.
Radial
R stands for radial, but if it is replaced by B, the tire will be of bias type.
rim size
The last two numbers written on the tire indicate the rim size of the tyre, for example 15 is written, then this tire is made for 15 inch diameter rim.
Information on other marks
H
This shows the speed rating of the tyre. The H-rated tire is certified for a maximum speed of 210 kmph.
PSI
Tires should be properly inflated to get optimum performance from the tire and optimum mileage from the vehicle. PSI suggests the right number for that.
Temperature
Tires also have a temperature rating which indicates how they will perform in high speed conditions and is displayed as A, B or C. Tires with an A rating can be easily driven at speeds above 185 kmph. While the high speed for B rated tire is between 160 to 185 kmph and for grade C tire the speed limit is between 136 to 160 kmph.
Directional Arrow
This is an important but often overlooked mark, it indicates the direction in which the tire should spin and is found on unidirectional tyres.