What Do the Various Markings on Car Tires Mean?
1 Answers
Car tire markings refer to the meanings of various symbols on the tires. These include the tire's specifications, ply rating, rim size, speed rating, etc. Proper use of tires not only affects the vehicle's driving performance but also has a significant impact on safety. Therefore, drivers must pay attention to tire maintenance while driving. Below is an introduction to tire markings: Tire Specifications: Usually represented by a set of numbers. The first number indicates the tire's section width, and the latter denotes the rim diameter in inches. For example, 165/70R14 means a tire width of 165 mm, an aspect ratio of 70, and a rim diameter of 14 inches. The middle letters or symbols have special meanings: "X" stands for high-pressure tires; "R" and "Z" indicate radial tires; "—" denotes bias-ply tires. For instance, "6.00—12" means a tire section width of 6 inches, "—" indicates a bias-ply tire, and 12 represents the rim diameter (i.e., the tire's inner diameter) of 16 inches. Ply Rating: The ply rating refers to the nominal number of cord layers in the tire's rubber, which may not exactly match the actual number of layers. It is an important indicator of tire strength. The ply rating is marked in Chinese, such as 12-ply, or in English, like "14PR" meaning 14-ply. Rim Size: Indicates the rim size compatible with the tire for practical use, e.g., "Standard Rim 5.00F". Speed Rating: Refers to the certified speed rating of the tire. Letters from A to Z represent speed ratings ranging from 4.8 km/h to 300 km/h. Common speed ratings include: Q: 160 km/h; R: 170 km/h; S: 180 km/h; T: 190 km/h; H: 210 km/h; V: 240 km/h; W: 270 km/h; Y: 300 km/h; Z: ZR speed above 240 km/h.
