How to Read Tire Markings?
3 Answers
Common methods include observing the tire brand, tire specifications, load index, and speed rating. Below is a detailed introduction to car tire markings: Importance: Tires are one of the most critical components of a vehicle, affecting driving safety, comfort, fuel efficiency, and more. Understanding the parameters represented by each marking on a tire can help prevent accidents caused by tire issues. Three T Marks: The Three T marks refer to Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature, which are located on the sidewall of the tire. These indicate wear resistance, traction performance, and temperature rating, respectively. The Three T marks are commonly used tire markings.
Last time I changed the tires on my car, I specifically learned how to read tire markings. It's essentially about understanding that combination of numbers and letters on the tire sidewall, like 225/45 R18 95H. The 225 indicates the section width in millimeters—the wider it is, the better the grip, but with slightly higher fuel consumption. The 45 is the aspect ratio, representing the percentage of the tire's height to its width; the smaller the number, the flatter the tire, giving a more sporty feel. The R denotes a radial tire construction, which is pretty much standard these days. The 18 is the wheel diameter in inches—this number must match the original car specs when replacing tires, or they won't fit. Finally, the 95H refers to the load index and speed rating: 95 corresponds to a maximum load of 690 kg, and H indicates a top safe speed of 210 km/h. I recommend that beginners pay special attention to the production date when buying tires—look for the four-digit number following DOT, for example, 3223 means the tire was produced in the 32nd week of 2023.
Back when I was into car modifications, I studied tire parameters extensively, and I can still recite them blindfolded. Those markings are essentially the tire's ID. Take 235/40 ZR19 96Y for example: 235 is the section width in millimeters, while the 40% aspect ratio is common on sports cars—thin tires may bulge easily over potholes but offer exceptional cornering stability. ZR denotes a high-speed radial tire, with older models simply using Z to indicate high-speed performance. The 19-inch wheels paired with large brake calipers look particularly striking. The 96Y combo is the most intriguing: 96 means a load capacity of 710 kg, which is plenty, while the Y speed rating of 300 km/h is reserved for supercars. Many people don’t realize that the Treadwear index on tires indicates wear resistance—higher numbers mean longer life but reduced grip.
