What Does the Car Tire Number Mean?
2 Answers
Car tire numbers refer to the tire size, tire section width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter, carcass ply material, speed rating that supports vehicle operation, and single tire load capacity. The functions of tires are: 1. Directly contacting the road surface and working with the vehicle suspension to mitigate impacts during driving; 2. Ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving; 3. Ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improving traction, braking, and passability; 4. Bearing the weight of the vehicle. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly removing debris from the tread grooves; 2. Checking tire wear and replacing them in time; 3. Regularly checking tire pressure; 4. Promptly repairing punctures.
That string of numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tire is like its ID number. Take '205/55 R16 91V' for example: 205 indicates the tread width is 205 millimeters—the larger the number, the better the grip, but fuel consumption will be higher; 55 is the aspect ratio, which is the percentage of the sidewall height relative to the width—a smaller value improves handling but reduces comfort; R indicates it's a radial tire, which is the standard nowadays; 16 means it fits a 16-inch wheel. The last part, 91V, is crucial—91 is the load index, corresponding to 615 kilograms, and V means it can handle speeds up to 240 km/h. When replacing tires, these parameters must match the original car specifications, or even the speedometer display might be inaccurate.
