What is the tire size of the new Santana?
3 Answers
The new Santana has two tire size models: 185/60R15 and 175/70R14. In 185/60R15, the first number 185 represents the tire width of 185MM, 60 indicates the aspect ratio of the tire section is 60%, meaning the section height is 60% of the width, and 15 represents the rim diameter of 15 inches. The middle letter "R" stands for radial tire. In 175/70R14, the first number 175 represents the tire width of 175MM, 70 indicates the aspect ratio of the tire section is 70%, meaning the section height is 70% of the width, and 14 represents the rim diameter of 14 inches. The middle letter "R" stands for radial tire. In terms of wheel design, the new Santana adopts a 15-spoke intensive wheel style. It uses Hankook KINERGY series tires, which focus on economy, featuring fuel-saving and wear-resistant characteristics. If you want to replace the tires yourself, you can follow the steps below: Take out the spare tire and jack, place the jack under the frame of the tire to be replaced, ensuring the jack touches the metal part of the frame; Raise the jack until it supports the car. The jack should be positioned under the vehicle, check and ensure the jack is at a right angle to the ground; Remove the hubcap, loosen the nuts counterclockwise. Do not completely loosen the nuts, just enough to eliminate resistance. When loosening the nuts for the first time, keeping the tire on the ground ensures that the nuts rotate instead of the tire; Turn the nuts counterclockwise until they are loose, repeat this step for all lug nuts, and completely remove the nuts; Place the new tire on the hub, carefully align the tire rim with the wheel bolts, install the lug nuts, and hand-tighten the nuts until all nuts are concealed. At this point, the tire replacement is complete. In addition to the model, the tire is also marked with the following common data: Tire cord material: Represented by Chinese pinyin, such as M-cotton cord, R-rayon cord, N-nylon cord, G-steel cord, ZG-steel radial cord tire. Speed rating: Indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry the specified load under specified conditions. Letters A to Z represent the certified speed ratings of tires from 4.8km/h to 300km/h. Common speed ratings include: Q: 160km/h; H: 210km/h; V: 240km/h; W: 270km/h; Y: 300km/h; Rim specification: Indicates the rim specification compatible with the tire. For practical use, such as "Standard rim 5.00F".
I've been driving my Santana for almost three years, and the stock tires are 185/60 R15, with this specification labeled on the sticker on the driver's side door frame. Choosing this size is quite reasonable: the 185 tire width provides sufficient grip for daily commuting, and the 60 aspect ratio ensures a comfortable ride over speed bumps without excessive jolting. Last time at the auto parts market, I saw someone switch to 195 wide tires, but without changing the rims, which caused rubbing against the fenders—a waste of money. I recommend checking the manual before changing tires. The factory-matched rim J-value is 6.0, and switching to 195 tires requires 6.5J rims for safety. I check the tire pressure every six months, lowering it by 0.1Bar in summer to prevent overheating and blowouts. Tires of this size cost around 400 yuan each, with a treadwear rating of 280, lasting about five years.
Worked in an auto repair shop for eight years, and the new Santana models mostly come with 185/60 R15 tires. The 185 refers to the tread width in millimeters, 60 represents the sidewall height as 60% of the tread width, and R15 indicates a 15-inch wheel diameter. There are a few common mistakes when changing tires: some people switch to 195 tires just because the wheels can fit them, but the vehicle's suspension parameters are designed for 185 tires. Blindly widening the tires can shorten the lifespan of the shock absorbers. The original Hankook tires have triangular wear indicators on the sidewalls; once the wear reaches these marks, it's time to replace the tires—don't wait until the tread is completely worn out. It's advisable to keep a spare tire. I've seen cases where using a folding spare tire on the highway caused wheel deformation. Tire pressure should be adjusted between winter and summer, maintaining 2.3Bar when the tires are cold is the most economical.
