What does 175/70R14 on a tire represent?
2 Answers
In the tire marking 175/70R14, 175 represents the tire width of 175mm, 70 represents the aspect ratio, R stands for radial tire, and 14 indicates the rim diameter of 14 inches. Some tires have arrows on the sidewall indicating the rotation direction, which must be followed during installation. Additionally, some tires may have other letters or symbols representing different types of tires: X denotes high-pressure tires, - indicates low-pressure tires, and C stands for reinforced tires. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery, typically installed on metal rims. They support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure driving performance.
I often explain this series of numbers on tires: 175/70R14. The first three digits, 175, indicate the tire width is 175 millimeters, about as wide as your outstretched hand. The middle number, 70, is particularly crucial—it shows the tire's sidewall height is 70% of the width, roughly 123 millimeters tall. The letter R doesn't stand for radius; it refers to the radial construction, which most cars use today, with cord layers arranged radially for better stability. The final number, 14, means the matching wheel rim diameter is 14 inches, slightly larger than an iPad. Messing with these specs when changing tires can cause issues. A friend once swapped to 16-inch rims, making the sidewalls as flat as pancakes, and the steering wheel shook violently over speed bumps.
