How to Read Car Tire Sizes Correctly, Here’s the Easy Guide!
As one of the most important components in a vehicle, you need to know how to read car tire sizes correctly. This is because it can help when buying new tires to match the vehicle's specifications. Here is the complete discussion.
How to Read Car Tire Sizes Correctly
Basically, there are several car tire size codes with different meanings. So, make sure to pay attention in detail to avoid misreading them.
1. The first three digits
First, please pay attention to the first three digits. This code refers to the width of the tire. For example, the code will be written as 200/60R12 80H. From this sequence, the number 200 is the width or thickness of the tire in millimeters. This code will help when comparing the thickest materials for the vehicle.
2. Two digits after the slash
After the first three digits, you will see a slash followed by the next 2 digits. These numbers are the tire ratio code. In the above example, the ratio is 60. So, what is the function of this element? One of the most basic functions is to indicate the percentage of the height of the tire compared to its thickness.
3. Letter after the ratio
In the next arrangement, there will be a letter inserted in capital format. This letter indicates the construction code of the product. In this example, R stands for Radial. Additionally, there are various other codes, please look for them in other reference sources, whether offline or online.
4. Two digits after the letter
Then, the next sequence will return to numbers again in 2 digits, as in the above example is 12. The meaning of the number 12 here refers to the rim diameter code in inches. So, if you want to check the rim size, you just need to look at the 2 digits displayed after the letter in the middle. If the number is larger, it means the rim size is also larger.
5. The last two digits
After the code related to the rim size, you can see there are 2 more digits separated by a space. So, what does this code mean? The answer is the load index. The load index is a description or information regarding how much load each tire can carry. Here are some of the most commonly encountered codes.
- 70 maximum load 335 kg
- 74 maximum load 387 kg
- 80 maximum load 450 kg
- 90 maximum load 600 kg
6. One last letter
Finally, there will be one letter as a closing. The meaning of this letter is related to speed. The code H refers to the speed rating. There are various other codes such as Q, S, T, V, W, Y, and so on. Information related to this can be found in other reference sources.
Read Also: Know the Meaning of Car Tire Speed Codes and Their Limits, Check Here!
Tips for Buying Tires Correctly
To avoid mistakes in purchasing, please follow some tips below.
1. Adjust the thickness and size to the vehicle
Every car must have specific specifications regarding tire installation. Therefore, make sure to choose products that match the vehicle. If the size is not appropriate, whether too small or too large, the risks are quite significant, such as the car potentially experiencing damage and so on.
2. Choose a design that suits the vehicle
In addition to size, you will also see products with different designs or patterns. It should be noted that these designs are not merely decorations, but have a more important function, especially in driving safety. So, please choose the design wisely and ensure it has good grip on the road.
From the explanation above, you now know how to read car tire sizes correctly. With this knowledge, there should no longer be cases of incorrectly choosing product sizes. Thus, the budget will not be wasted.
