What does 98W on the back of a car tire mean?
3 Answers
98W represents the following meanings: 98 refers to the load index of the tire, with a corresponding maximum load capacity of 750KG per tire; W denotes the speed rating of the tire, indicating the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions, with W representing a top speed of 270 kilometers per hour. Functions of tires: Mainly to support the entire weight of the vehicle, bear the load of the car, and transmit forces and moments in other directions; transmit traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface to improve the vehicle's power, braking, and passability; work with the car suspension to cushion the impact during driving and dampen the resulting vibrations; prevent severe vibrations and early damage to car components, adapt to the vehicle's high-speed performance and reduce driving noise, ensuring safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel economy. How to identify tire ratings: Based on the maximum speed of the tire, the speed ratings can be divided into different levels from A-Z, with level A further subdivided into eight different levels from A1-A8; generally, the further back the letter representing the tire speed is in the alphabet, the better the tire's characteristics, and the relatively higher the price; similarly, for large cargo, the load index can be divided into different numerical values based on the weight index, such as 62-178; generally, the higher the load index of the tire, the greater its maximum load capacity, the better the materials used, and the more layers and tread the tire has, the better its puncture resistance, load capacity, and other performance characteristics.
I remember when I bought my first car, I was also curious about what 98W on the tire meant. After researching, I learned that it's crucial information in tire specifications. 98 represents the load index, specifically meaning a single tire can bear a maximum weight of around 750 kilograms, while W indicates the speed rating, corresponding to a maximum speed limit of 270 kilometers per hour. These numbers are usually found on the sidewall of the tire, such as next to the size marking. When choosing tires, you shouldn't just look at the size; you must also match these values, otherwise, it may pose risks during high-speed driving or when carrying excessive loads. My friend once installed mismatched tires, which caused skidding during emergency braking. I recommend consulting your vehicle's manual or asking a professional when replacing tires to ensure safety and tire longevity. Regularly checking tire wear and pressure is also important, as it affects fuel consumption and handling.
The 98W marking on the tire actually describes its load capacity and speed rating. The number 98 is called the load index, where each number corresponds to a specific weight—98 means a single tire can bear approximately 750 kg. The 'W' is the speed rating, indicating a maximum applicable speed of 270 km/h. This information is crucial, especially when driving with passengers or on highways, ensuring the tires don't fail due to overloading. Back when I worked as a mechanic, I often encountered car owners who overlooked this and installed unsuitable tires, leading to rapid wear or even blowouts. It's best to check the manufacturer's label when buying new tires and compare it with the original specifications. Also, pay attention to seasonal changes—if using winter tires, the speed rating might need adjustment to ensure better traction.
