What is the tire model of the classic Transit?
3 Answers
The tire model for the classic Transit is 215/70/R15. The first number, 215, indicates the tire width is 215MM. The number 70 represents the aspect ratio of the tire section, which is 70%, meaning the section height is 70% of the width. The letter R stands for radial tire, and 15 indicates the rim diameter is 15 inches. The classic Transit has a top speed of 120km/h, accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds, and has a fuel consumption of 5.4L per 100km. In addition to the model, tires also display the following common data: Tire cord material: Indicated by Chinese pinyin, such as M for cotton cord, R for rayon cord, N for nylon cord, G for steel cord, and ZG for steel radial cord tire. Speed rating: Indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions. Letters from A to Z represent certified speed ratings ranging from 4.8km/h to 300km/h. Commonly used speed ratings include: Q: 160km/h; H: 210km/h; V: 240km/h; W: 270km/h; Y: 300km/h. Rim specification: Indicates the rim size compatible with the tire, facilitating practical use, such as "Standard rim 5.00F".
I just helped my brother replace the tires on his classic Transit. The OEM tire specifications for this vehicle are typically 195/70 R15 or 205/70 R15, depending on the model year and configuration. From what I've seen, most short-wheelbase versions use 195 tires, while high-roof versions are often equipped with 205 tires. When replacing tires, pay attention to the 'C' marking, which indicates commercial reinforced tires with greater load capacity than regular passenger car tires. I recommend checking the tire pressure label on the door frame or the markings on the tire sidewall for the most accurate information when replacing tires - never rely on memory. The other day, a fellow owner installed wider 215 tires, only to find they rubbed against the wheel arches during turns and had to replace them again. Tires are a critical safety component - size deviations exceeding 3% can affect braking distance, and you should choose tires with a load index of at least 102 to ensure adequate capacity.
With two decades of fleet management experience, I've handled over a hundred sets of Classic Transit tires. The standard configuration is 195/70 R15C, while the dual-rear-wheel models use 205 specifications. Key parameters for tire selection are: 195 represents tread width, 70 is the aspect ratio, and R15 indicates rim size. For commercial vehicles like the Transit, I recommend light truck tires marked with 'C', such as Michelin's Agilis series, which have thicker sidewalls than regular passenger car tires. Special attention is needed when taking over new vehicles - some base models still use outdated 6.50 R16 bias-ply tires, which are largely obsolete now. For tire replacement, I advise changing the full set, as mixing old and new tires can cause braking deviation. Tire lifespan depends on tread depth - replacement is mandatory when it wears below 1.6mm.
