You know what they say: “It’s the little things that matter.” In the case of your car, one of those little things is tyre size. If you’ve ever glanced at the side of your car’s tyres and felt like you were staring at a mysterious code, you’re not alone! Those numbers and letters aren’t just random, they’re crucial for your car’s safety and performance. Let’s decode this tyre lingo with this tyre size guide so you can hit the road with confidence.
Where to Find Tyre Size? Finding your tyre size is like finding the perfect shoe size, it’s essential for a smooth ride. You can easily spot your tyre size on the sidewall of the tyre, written in big, bold letters. It looks something like 205/55 R16. This isn’t just a code; it’s a formula that tells you everything you need to know about your tyre’s dimensions and performance.
The tyre size can also be found in your vehicle’s manual or on a small placard located inside the driver’s door. So, if you ever need to replace a tyre, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
How to Read Tyre Sizes? Tyre Size Numbers Explained Now, many of you will be wondering how can we read these terms to know about the yre’s size. Don’t worry! Let’s break it down with an example: 205/55 R16.
205: This is the width of the tyre in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall. Think of it like the footprint of your tyre, the wider it is, the better the grip. 55: This is the aspect ratio, which means the height of the tyre’s sidewall is 55% of its width. A lower number usually gives you a sportier ride, but a higher number offers more comfort. R16: This is the diameter of the tyre, measured in inches. It’s crucial that this number matches the size of your vehicle’s wheels. Numbers And Letters After the Tyre Size You might see additional numbers and letters, like 91V, following the tyre size. Here’s what they mean:
91: The load index, which tells you how much weight each tyre can support. A load index of 91 means the tyre can carry up to 615 kg. V: The speed rating, indicates the maximum speed the tyre can handle. A “V” rating means the tyre is safe for speeds up to 240 km/h. It’s like having the right shoes for a marathon, your tyres need to be strong enough to handle the weight and have a good speed rating.