All you need to be able to understand the writing on your tyres
In the cheesy decades of past, tyres were often referred to as a car’s “shoes”, particularly among the macho greaser set who spent countless hours bragging about the specs of their vehicles to their friends.
Fast forward to the present day, and the shoes analogy can easily be construed in a more positive light, particularly as footwear has become a gal’s second best friend – after diamonds of course!
But aside from the fact that these pieces of rubber are instrumental in getting us from Point A to B, what do we really know about our tyres beyond the obvious?
One of the aspects that we frequently overlook on our tyres is the complex-looking code emblazoned onto the rubber, yet this actually provides some important information.
The meaning of the “tyre speak” is crucial when selecting a brand of tyre to suit your car.
Let’s use the example of a Continental tyre with the marking 205/55 R15. This indicates that the tyre is 205mm wide, the Aspect Ratio (the height of the tyre from the wheel rim to the centre of the tread when viewed from the side is 55% of the width of the tyre). The ‘R’ indicates the design of the tyre, and the 15 indicates that the tyre fits on a 15 inch wheel rim.
Other significant codes described by Conti Partner include:
Load Index and Speed Symbol – 87V: This is the tyres carrying capacity at a specific maximum speed. 87 indicates 545kg at V speed symbol of 240km/h
Tubeless: If the tyre does not say ‘Tubeless’ it has to have a tube in it.
E4 the European mark of approval: All passenger tyres in South Africa have to have ‘E’ markings
DOT code markings: indicating the tyre size, style, plant of manufacture, and the date of manufacture
Maximum load rating of the tyre in lbs. and kg: e.g. 545kg or 1201lbs.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure: e.g. 300 kPa or 44 psi.
Knowing as much about your vehicle as possible obviously can go a long towards prolonging its life on the road, and while these codes are often overlooked it is clear that they are important.
Having trust in a certified tyre fitment centre thus becomes key to the process, as not only will they be able to recommend the right tyre for your vehicle thanks to an extensive knowledge of these codes, but they are aware of the safety that the correct tyre represents.
A quality set of tyres is key to performance and safety is one of the most important purchases you make for your car.
Source: www.assist247.co.za