How to Read a Tire Size: Understanding the Numbers and Letters on Your Tires

It’s crucial to understand how to read your tire size if you own a car. When purchasing new tires or determining whether your current tires are compatible with your vehicle, you must have this information. Tire sizes can be challenging to understand, but with the right information, you can quickly understand what those numbers and letters signify. Tire Size Format:

• P designates a passenger tire. The terms LT (light truck), T (temporary spare), and ST (special trailer) are further designations. When mounted and filled to the specified pressure, the tire’s width from sidewall to sidewall measures 225 millimeters. The aspect ratio, which is the sidewall height of the tire stated as a proportion of its width, is 50. In this instance, the sidewall measures 112.5 millimeters, or 50% of the width. R stands for radial construction, which is currently the most popular kind of tire construction. B (bias-belted) and D (diagonal) are additional options. The number 17 denotes the inch-diameter of the wheel that the tire is intended to fit. The load index, or figure that represents the most weight a tire can bear when properly inflated, is

• V, refers to the highest speed that a tire can sustain safely. The V rating in this instance denotes that the tire is capable of traveling at 149 mph.

For winter driving conditions, particularly on ice roads, studded tires are created. They offer more traction on slick conditions thanks to integrated metal studs in the tread. However, studded tires can be pricey, noisy, and they can potentially harm the roadways. Additionally, because studded tires affect the status of the roads, some states impose restrictions on their use. Your environment, driving circumstances, and personal tastes will ultimately determine whether or not you utilize studded tires.

Depending on how frequently they are used and the conditions they are subjected to, studded tires normally last one or two winter seasons. Over time, the metal studs may corrode, and extreme cold may cause the rubber to crack. To increase the lifespan of studded tires, it’s crucial to remove them when the need for winter driving no longer exists.

It’s not possible to stud all tires. Because they have bigger tread blocks that can hold metal studs, only tires made for winter use can be studded. It’s crucial to use the proper studs for your tire size and to hire a technician to install them. Are Studded Tires Effective on Black Ice? On snowy roads, particularly black ice, which is a thin layer of ice that is difficult to see, studded tires can offer more traction. On black ice, however, studded tires do not offer more braking power. Regardless of your tires, it is crucial to drive attentively when driving on black ice. Use your brakes sparingly, go more slowly, and steer clear of unexpected moves.