What Does Tire Specification Indicate?
2 Answers
Tire specification indicates the width, aspect ratio, type of the tire, and the applicable size of the tire. Taking the tire specification 185/60R14 as an example, 185 indicates that the width of the tire is 185mm, 60 indicates that the percentage of the tire's section height to its width is 60%, which is the aspect ratio of the tire, R stands for radial tire, and 14 indicates that the rim diameter is 14 inches. Tires with a larger aspect ratio will have better comfort and lower noise, while tires with a smaller aspect ratio will have poorer comfort and higher noise. Some tires with a smaller aspect ratio, when passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces at higher speeds, are prone to bulging on the sidewalls. Therefore, owners using low-profile tires need to pay attention to reducing speed when encountering speed bumps or low-lying road conditions.
I've been driving for decades, and tire specifications have a huge impact on driving safety. Those numbers like 215/65R15—215 is the tire width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio (height as a percentage of width), R stands for radial construction, and 15 is the rim size in inches. Choosing the wrong size can cause the car to pull to one side or vibrate excessively, increase fuel consumption, or even lead to a blowout. When I was younger, I once used the wrong size and nearly had an accident while taking a high-speed turn—it scared me so much that I never dared to change tires casually again. Now, every time I replace tires, I first check the vehicle manual to ensure the size matches the original specifications. Regularly inspecting tire wear and pressure can also extend their lifespan. Never overlook these details—safety comes first.
