How to Read Tire Specifications?
2 Answers
Tire specifications take the 255/65R17 model as an example. 255 represents the width of the tire, which refers to the part of the tire that contacts the ground; 65 represents the aspect ratio of the tire, which is the ratio of the height from the rim to the tread to the maximum width of the tire's cross-section; R refers to radial tires; 17 represents the size of the tire. The larger the size of the car, the larger the tire size used. The parameter specifications of the tire can be seen on the side of the car tire. All tires used on cars have specifications, and the tire models used for each car are different. Tires of different sizes also have different effects during actual driving.
When I first started driving, I was also quite confused about those numbers and letters on the side of the tire, which are the specification codes, like the common P215/65R15. The first letter P stands for passenger vehicle, 215 is the tire width in millimeters, /65 means the sidewall height is 65% of the width, R refers to the radial construction design, and the final 15 is the rim diameter in inches. Understanding these ensures you get the right size when changing tires, otherwise it can affect handling and wear rate. Once I ignored this and got a different-sized tire, and the car was noticeably unstable and used more fuel. Regularly check the tire pressure and tread wear indicators; if they're worn smooth or the pressure is below the manufacturer's recommendation, it's time to change them, or you risk skidding at high speeds. Learning this made things much easier, and now I can check my car's condition myself.
