How to Read Hankook Tire Specifications
3 Answers
Hankook tire specifications and parameters are marked on both sides of the outer tire, including the production number, manufacturer's trademark, size specifications, ply rating, maximum load and corresponding air pressure. The section width and aspect ratio percentage are expressed in millimeters. This is followed by the tire type code, rim diameter, load index, and permitted vehicle speed code.
I remember when I first started driving, I was also quite confused about how to read Hankook tire specifications. Later, I learned that Hankook tires have a series of codes printed on the side, such as 195/65R15. Here, 195 represents the tire width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio indicating that the height is 65% of the width, R stands for radial tire construction, and 15 is the rim diameter in inches. Understanding these numbers can help in selecting the right tires to ensure driving safety. In practical use, if the specifications don’t match the original ones, such as a width that’s too large, handling can deteriorate. I recommend regularly cleaning the tire sidewalls to check the codes, preventing them from becoming illegible.
I enjoy DIY projects and find Hankook tire specifications quite straightforward—just look for the small print on the tire sidewall. The numbers, like 205/55R16, start with 205 indicating the width in millimeters, followed by 55 after the slash representing the aspect ratio percentage. The 'R' stands for radial construction, and the final 16 is the rim size in inches. When replacing tires manually, make sure to match the specifications correctly to avoid installation issues or accelerated wear. I often jot down the original specifications for reference and cross-check with the vehicle manual to prevent problems and enhance the driving experience.