What Do the Numbers on Car Tires Mean?
2 Answers
The slash / is only used to separate the front and rear numbers, and the number behind it represents the aspect ratio. The following are measures for car tire maintenance: 1. Reasonable selection and matching of tires: Do not mix tires of different specifications and brands on the same vehicle or axle. At the very least, the same specification, brand, tread pattern, and even the same manufacturer's tires should be used on the same axle. 2. Inspection of tire surface wear: The tire surface wear condition should be frequently observed, and any issues should be addressed promptly. Generally, tires have wear indicators, and once the wear limit is reached, they must be replaced. Regularly check the tire tread and sidewalls for cracks, cuts, or other damages.
As a car enthusiast, I often look at the numbers on the sidewall of tires, and those things are actually quite useful. Take the common 215/65R15 95H for example: 215 indicates the tire width is 215 millimeters, which directly affects the grip when driving as it determines how much of the tire contacts the ground; 65 is an aspect ratio, meaning the tire height is 65% of the width—lower numbers feel more stable for handling but sacrifice some comfort; R stands for radial construction, which most cars use nowadays; 15 is the rim size in inches, and if it doesn’t match, the tire won’t fit; 95 and H go together—95 refers to the load index (the weight it can carry can be found in a table), and H is the speed rating, with a maximum of 210 km/h. Don’t randomly change tire specs when replacing them, or you might end up with alignment issues or premature wear—safety first. Once, my friend switched to tires with a lower load index and had a blowout on the highway—a harsh lesson indeed.
