The Secret Numbers On Your Tyres And What They Mean

April 25 2022 , 4 min reading time

Tyres are something that we see every day on vehicles. They’re the only point of contact between your car and the road, so it's important to know as much about them before buying and storing your tyres! 

195/55/R16 these markings tell you all sorts of things about your tyre, from its load capacity to its speed rating. So what do all those markings mean, and what should you look for when you're buying new tyres? Keep reading to find out!

Tyre markings and what they mean:

• Tyre Size - 195/55R16
• Load Index - (87) 
• Speed Rating - (V) 
• Manufactured date - Yes, tyres have an expiry date! 

1. Tyre Size

Car tyres come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big and chunky, others are slim and sleek. But what exactly does tyre size mean? And why is it so important to get the right size for your car? 

Tyre size is actually a combination of two things: the width of the tyre, and the diameter of the wheel that it fits. The width is measured in millimetres and usually ranges from 135 to 305 mm. The diameter of the wheel is measured in inches and is usually between 12 and 24 inches. The reason that tyre size is so important is that it affects a number of things, including the grip of the tyre, the rolling resistance, and the fuel efficiency of the car. So it's definitely worth making sure that you get the right size tyres for your car!

• (195mm) width section of the tyre that comes in contact with the road
• (55%) Aspect ratio – the height of the sidewall as a percentage of its width 
• (R16) This is the inner diameter of the tyre, where your rim fits. R means radial and 16 is in inches, 16 in wide.

2. Load Index - 87 & Speed Ratings - V

The load index number is an essential piece of information that is required when shopping for car tyres. The load index number is used to determine the maximum weight that a tyre can support. This information is typically found on the sidewall of the tyre, and it is important to make sure that the load index number matches the requirements of your vehicle. 

Car tyres are like shoes for your car- they're what keep you grounded. And, just like shoes, there is a wide range of tyre types available to suit different needs. But unlike shoes, the speed rating of a tyre is not always obvious. In fact, most people don't even know that tyres have speed ratings! The speed rating of a tyre indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can be used safely. The rating is based on tests conducted by the manufacturer under controlled conditions. Speed ratings are usually expressed as a letter, with 'A' being the lowest and 'Y' is the highest. The most common Speed Rating found on passenger car tyres is 'S', which has a maximum speed limit of 180kmp/ 112 mph. So next time you're out on the open road, take a look at your tyres and make sure you're not exceeding their limits! 

4. Manufactured Date

Yes, car tyres have an expiry date! After about 6 years, the rubber starts to deteriorate and it's time for a new set of tyres. So next time you're looking at a set of tyres, make sure to check the manufacture date! You don't want to be driving around on a set of tyres that are older than your car!

So there you have it! The secret numbers on your tyres and what they mean. Now that you know how to read them, be sure to keep an eye on them every time you get a new set of tyres - or better yet, bring this post with you when you go tyre shopping so you can be sure to get the right ones. And if you have any more tips we should add to the list, let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Keep your tyres clean with the spare wheel cover and say goodbye to dusty, dirty tires! This easy-to-install cover will keep your RV, trailer, camper, car or truck tires clean and free of debris.

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