How to Distinguish Tire Sizes?
2 Answers
Methods to distinguish tire sizes: The international standard tire specifications generally consist of six parts: tire width, aspect ratio of the tire section, tire type code, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating code. For example, a specification like 215/70R15 means: 215 indicates the tread width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio (the ratio of the sidewall height to the tread width), R denotes the radial structure of the tire, and 15 is the outer diameter of the rim in inches. Common tire type codes include "X" for high-pressure tires, "R" and "Z" for radial tires, and "-" for low-pressure tires. Most passenger cars on the market use radial tires, which are now commonly tubeless, known as "tubeless tires." These tires are less prone to heat buildup during high-speed driving and, when punctured by nails or sharp objects, lose air slowly, allowing continued driving for a short distance.
Distinguishing tire sizes is actually quite simple. When I check my car, I just look for that series of numbers on the tire sidewall, like 205/55 R16: the first number 205 is the tire width in millimeters; 55 is the aspect ratio, representing the percentage of the tire height to its width; R stands for radial construction, which most modern cars use; and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. Just match these parameters to your vehicle specifications, and you're good to go—just remember to compare with the manual before changing tires to avoid mistakes. Once when I was helping a neighbor check, I found the aspect ratio was lower, making the ride noticeably bumpier and increasing tire wear, which affects safety. Learning to read these numbers can save you money and hassle—just measure it yourself instead of running to the shop all the time.
