How to Read a Tyre?

You bought a new car, without modifications, and intend to take it to a dealer or tyre specialist for new tyres; you don’t need to worry about the exact specification for new tyres. There is probably no need for you to worry about the rime size, width, profile or other ratings since they know which ones will work best for your car.

But what if you come across a tyre dealer who isn't a tyre expert and he installs the wrong tyre on your car that you didn't know about, and you're driving your car without any knowledge of it, and you notice shortly that it's affecting your car’s performance? What will you do?

In order to drive safely and effectively, you need to pick the right tyre size for your car. And to do so, you must require proper knowledge of tyre size and its specifications.

What is the significance of tyre sizes?

The first thing you should be aware of is that mismatched tyres can result in incorrect speed readings as your car performs at a lower speed.

You may also experience adverse results if you drive with the wrong tyre on your vehicle, including acceleration, handling, and steering problems.

Those who are looking to buy new tyres online for their cars should ensure that they have the appropriate wheels and tyres. And those who modify their cars with new wheels and tyres to enhance its handling, understanding tyre sizes will help them in ensuring that they stay legal and safe.

Tyre size: how to read it?

Have you checked your car tyre thoroughly? The sidewall of your tyre contains all the information about it. It has a series of numbers and alphabets on the sidewall. These numbers indicate the size, load capacity, and speed limit of your tyre. Several types of tyres are available for your vehicle, depending on its size and specifications. Our understanding of your car's tyres can be clarified by deciphering this code. Understanding the specifications printed on the sidewall of your tyres will simplify the process and narrow the field for choosing the right tyres for your car.

Some codes are easy to understand, while others require numbered reference indices and proper understanding to decipher.

A few general terms

The first thing we'll discuss are some of the general terms you'll hear about all tyres. Below are a few terms that are most commonly used.

Tread

In tyres, the tread is the part that is in contact with the road. During wet weather, the tread channels water away from the tyre to provide a better grip.

Bead

This part of the tyre makes contact with the rim on both sides as it runs around the inside. Combined with the air pressure inside your tyre, the slots in the wheels keep the beads from popping out.

Sidewall

Tread and bead meet at this point on the tyre. The sidewall of your tyre contains all the information you need about its performance.

Carcass

This is the fundamental structure of a tyre, and it takes up to 80% of the stresses it experiences. In order to keep the tyre's shape & strength, rubber-coated fibres are bonded to the bead.

What does the numbers on the tyres mean?

You might find the numbers a little confusing at first, but here's an explanation of what they mean.

Let’s take the DUNLOP SP SPORT LM705 215/60 R16 95-H. On the sidewall, you will find printed.

1) Tyre Width - 215 signifies the width of the tyre measured from sidewall to sidewall in millimetres. Vehicle manufacturers standardise this width based on their models. When choosing new tyres, this factor plays an important role in handling, traction, and fuel consumption.

2) Aspect Ratio - 60 signifies its aspect ratio, which is calculated by dividing the section height of the tyre by the section width. This is the proportion of the cross-sectional height of the tyre to its width. A tyre's sidewall will be taller if the aspect ratio is higher.

3) Construction - R signifies radial ply construction. The tyre construction is indicated by the alphabet that follows the aspect ratio. R stands for radial in this case. We can better comprehend a tyre's characteristics by looking at how it was built.

4) Wheel Diameter – 16 signifies the wheel rim's diameter. The rim diameter is measured in inches, not millimetres like the tyre width. This dimension lets you know what size rim the tyre is made for.

5) Load Index – 95 is a sign that signifies the highest load and speed that the tyre may operate safely. In comparison to tyres with a higher profile, smaller profile tyres typically have lower load ratings.

6) Speed rating – H signifies the speed rating that is the maximum service speed your tyre can support. You can find out the maximum speed your tyre can withstand from the speed rating.

Where to find the correct tyre size for your car?

You can visit EverTyres to identify different tyre options for your car. Yet if you're confused about which tyre size is the best fit for your cars, you can visit our physical store or give us a call on our landline number. Our team will guide you with all the queries you have.