How to Distinguish Tire Models and What Do They Represent?
2 Answers
Tire models can be distinguished by looking at the sidewall markings. Currently, almost all passenger car tires are radial tires. The specifications of radial passenger car tires are labeled in the order of "tire width, aspect ratio, compatible rim diameter, load index, and speed rating." The parameters displayed on the tire model represent the tire's width, aspect ratio, tire type, and applicable size. Taking the model 225/60R17 as an example, 225 indicates the tire's section width is 225mm, 60 is the aspect ratio, meaning the tire's sidewall height is 60% of the section width, R stands for radial tire, and 17 indicates the tire is suitable for 17-inch rims.
Tire model identification is quite straightforward, as it's printed on the sidewall as a series of numbers and letters. From my experience, a common example is 225/55R17 97W: the 225 indicates a tire width of 225 millimeters—the larger this number, the wider the tread, offering better stability but slightly higher fuel consumption; 55 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 55% of the width—lower values like 40 or 45 enhance sportiness but result in a stiffer ride, while higher ratios like 65 provide more comfort; R stands for Radial construction, which is almost universal nowadays; 17 is the wheel diameter in inches, which must match the vehicle's wheels or it won't fit; 97 is the load index, where each number corresponds to a specific weight—97 equals 730 kilograms; and W is the speed rating, indicating a maximum speed of 270 km/h. Choosing the right tire based on your vehicle type and driving habits is crucial—for instance, SUVs often use higher aspect ratios and larger load indices, while sports sedans prioritize lower aspect ratios and higher speed ratings. I've seen cases where incorrect wheel sizes caused installation difficulties or high-speed imbalance issues, so I recommend referring to your vehicle's manual for the original specifications to ensure safety and practicality.
