What does 235/45r18/94w mean?
3 Answers
1. 235: The tire width is 235 millimeters. 2. 45: Known as the aspect ratio of the tire, meaning the ratio of the sidewall height to the tire width is 45%. 3. R: Radial tire. 4. 18: The diameter of the wheel hub is 18 inches. 5. 94: The maximum load capacity of this tire is 670 kilograms. 6. W: The maximum speed of this tire is 270 kilometers per hour. Additional information: 1. 235/45r18/94w belongs to Bridgestone tires, which are the original tires for the Toyota Mark X. 2. Bridgestone tires are products of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan and are widely used in various car brands worldwide.
When I first changed tires, I also didn't understand the meaning of these numbers and letters. 235 refers to the tire width of 235 millimeters—the larger the number, the wider the tire. 45 is the aspect ratio; the smaller this number, the thinner the tire, and my sports car uses a 40 aspect ratio. R18 indicates an 18-inch rim diameter, common for family cars ranging between 16 to 20 inches. 94 is the load index, meaning each tire can bear 670 kg—I chose 98 for my SUV because I often drive fully loaded on mountain roads. Finally, W is the speed rating, indicating a maximum supported speed of 270 km/h. When changing tires, never just go for the cheapest option with a lower rating, especially if you frequently drive on highways—always check that final letter designation.
Breaking down this tire specification is quite straightforward: 235 indicates the tread width in millimeters; the number 45 after the slash represents the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 45% of the tread width; the R in R18 stands for radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches; the number 94 is crucial as it corresponds to the load capacity, with 94 equating to 670 kg per tire; the W denotes the speed rating, allowing a maximum speed of 270 km/h. I remember once helping a friend choose tires—his car was heavy, but he bought 92 load-rated tires, which overheated and deformed during a long trip. Always match tire specifications to your vehicle's parameters, and don’t just focus on size while overlooking these hidden details.