How to Determine the Size of a Tire?
2 Answers
The method to determine the size of a tire is typically represented by a set of numbers. The first number indicates the tire's section width, and the latter denotes the rim diameter in inches. For example, 165/70R14 signifies a radial tire with a width of 165 millimeters, an aspect ratio of 70, and a rim diameter of 14 inches. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery, usually fitted on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and guarantee the vehicle's driving performance. Tires possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning properties.
Checking tire size is quite straightforward. There's a series of codes printed on the tire sidewall, such as the common P215/65R15. Here, 'P' stands for passenger vehicle tire, '215' indicates the tire width of 215 millimeters, '65' is the aspect ratio meaning the tire height is 65% of the width, 'R' represents radial construction, and '15' is the wheel diameter of 15 inches. Every time I buy a car or change tires, I check this first because different sizes affect the vehicle's comfort and fuel consumption. For example, wider tires offer more stability at high speeds but consume slightly more fuel, while narrower ones might give a bumpier ride. If the tires are aging or underinflated, the size label might wear off. In that case, I just take a photo with my phone to examine later, saving me the hassle of crawling under the car. This knowledge is quite handy for daily maintenance, and I recommend jotting it down during routine checks to avoid scrambling in emergencies.
