What does the Hankook Tire marking mean?
2 Answers
Tire markings refer to the production number, manufacturer's trademark, size specifications, ply rating, maximum load and corresponding pressure, carcass cord fabric pinyin code, installation requirements, and driving direction marks that are required to be indicated on both sides of the outer tire according to national standards. Hankook Tire: Hankook Tire was established in 1941 and is a Korean tire company that provides radial tires for passenger cars, light trucks (SUVs, RVs, etc.), trucks, buses, and special racing cars. Hankook has five R&D centers worldwide, ensuring that Hankook tires can meet the needs of consumers in each region and improve customer satisfaction. Company Introduction: Hankook Tire was established in 1941. After more than 70 years of development, Hankook Tire has expanded its business globally through continuous innovation and exploration.
I've been studying tires for many years, and Hankook's tire markings are actually similar to other brands, with the key lying in those combinations of numbers and letters. For example, take the common 205/55 R16 91V: 205 represents the tire width of 205 millimeters, affecting the contact area and grip; 55 is the aspect ratio, meaning the tire height is 55% of the width—lower ratios offer better handling but worse comfort; R stands for radial construction design, a mainstream technology that's durable and fuel-efficient; 16 is the rim diameter of 16 inches, which must match the vehicle; 91 is the load index, indicating a maximum load capacity of 615 kilograms—exceeding this is dangerous; V is the speed rating, with a maximum of 240 km/h—speeding can lead to tire bursts. Understanding these ensures you won’t make mistakes when choosing tires. I always check the vehicle manual when replacing tires and also pay attention to the production date, like 1123, which means the 11th week of 2023—aged tires pose significant risks. Regularly checking tire pressure and ensuring even wear can extend tire life and prevent accidents.
