Buying a new set of tires is never an easy thing – it’s always easier said than done, frankly. This is due to the fact that there are tire sizes that you have to be knowledgeable about, and you have to know which tires would fit the rims in your own car.
While some people know how to read or understand tire sizes, this isn’t always the case.
Worry not though, for Tire Zone is with you and we will explain to you everything you need to know about understanding tire sizes – not just in Houston, but globally as well.
Once you walk into a store like Tire Zone, the first thing that a technician will ask is your tire size. Most people know what their tire size is, but if you don’t, then there’s no shame in that. Know that Tire Zone is here to educate you, and our team members will help you find the best one that will fit your rims and your vehicle’s style.
If you’re ready to buy a new set of tires, then here are things that you have to keep in mind:
- The Tire Type
This is the first letter you’ll see on the left side of the sequence, and this indicates which type of vehicle the tire was meant for. These letters go from “P” for passenger, “LT” for light truck, “T” for temporary spares, or “ST” for the special trailer.
- The Tire Width
This is the number after the tire type, and this indicates your tire’s width from sidewall to sidewall. These numbers usually say P225, and this can be meant for a passenger vehicle with a width of 225 millimeters. So it’s best to know your car type so you can read a more accurate tire width.
- The Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width, and it can also measure from the center of the rim to the top of the tread. It’s best to keep in mind that even though this doesn’t come with the % symbol, this can still be written as a percentage.
- The Construction
This is the next letter after the aspect ratio, and this indicates the type of internal construction holding your tire’s stability. This could be an “R” which stands for radial, though you can also see a “D” for diagonal and a “B” for bias ply.
- The Rim Diameter
The next number after the tire’s construction is the rim diameter, which is a measurement in inches. This typically measures the size of the rim that a specific tire can be mounted.
- The Load Index
The second to the last number is the load index, and this indicates how much weight a specific tire can support when it’s fully inflated. There are two load types: standard load and extra load, so you have to know which number this corresponds to in a tire index chart. Yes, this part can get a bit confusing, especially for first-timers.
- The Speed Rating
Lastly, the last digit in the sequence is the speed rating, which is indicated by yet another letter. Most passenger cars can fall in the “R” or “S” ratings, and this means that a tire can run for 106mph or 112mph at maximum speeds.
We know that reading a tire size can get pretty confusing, but worry not for we are with you and our team at Tire Zone will do our best to help you out.
So if you’re looking at buying new tires, why not reach out to us for the best deals?
Tire Zone offers our services to those in the Greater Houston Area and its neighboring cities.