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Tire Ratings and Sizes - Your tires tell a story

When you are buying tires, it may seem a little more complicated than it used to be. This is because today there are numerous different sizes and ratings for tires. Besides different sizes and ratings, you also have to pick what brand of tires you want and there is a large amount of different tire manufacturers. When shopping for new tires for your vehicle, you will also have to pick the type of tire you want. For instance, you may need snow tires for the winter, thicker tread, among many other types of tires. One thing that seems to throw tire buyers of the most is the code that is displayed on the side of the tire.

The code located on the side of the tire serves many different purposes because it contains a few pieces of information in that one code. The code on the side of the tire is normally made up of numbers and a couple of letters. The numbers on the code normally tell the size of the tire. The numbers in the code also tell the tire and wheel diameter. Tire technicians can also determine what type of service the tires on a particular vehicle will need just by reading the code on the side of the tire. Normally, there are two letters in the code that will reveal a speed rating for the tire. In most cases, this rating contains a Z in the code because Z tires are the only tires that are speed rated.

Tire ratings can reveal lots of information surrounding the tire. Before you purchase tires for your vehicle, you will want to ask a tire technician about the rating of the tires you are about to purchase or that you are interested in purchasing. Tire ratings will provide you with information about safety, speed, air pressure, and what terrains the tires work best with. You will want to purchase a tire that will work best with the type of vehicle that you own.

When buying tires, it is important to become familiar with the code on the side of the tire and what each number and letter means. Before you make your tire purchase, you will also want to check or review the tire ratings that the tire received from the manufacturer. You will want to purchase the tire that is best suited for your vehicle and driving purposes.

Read More on Tire Maintenance

• Tire Ratings and Sizes
• Proper Tire Inflation/Pressure
• How much tread depth do I need?