[WapCar] When it comes to tires, we are all familiar with it. As the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, in this small area, it not only has to bear the weight of the car body, but also filter out part of the vibration. Therefore, it is necessary for us to understand the parameters on the tire.
Here is a video to quickly understand the tire specifications:
Where to find the parameters
Similar to vehicle nameplates, tires also have their own "identification system." However, the slight difference is that the tire’s identification system has more numbers and Letter code. First of all, let us first understand where this information is hidden?
What are the parameters
After knowing where the parameters are, you will find that there are dense numbers on the wall of the tire that are as dense as high school math textbooks. Simply put, it includes the tire manufacturer, series, size specifications, maximum allowable load mass, maximum allowable driving speed, installation direction and so on.
Let's take a look at the most important sets of parameters that are often used during purchase and use.
1. Dimensions and Specifications
The "55" in the 205/55 R16 group of numbers represents the flat ratio, which refers to the ratio of the height from the rim to the tread to the maximum width of the tire section, expressed as a percentage, that is, the height occupies the width Percentage. In the case of a given tire width or crown, the smaller the flat ratio means the thinner the tire wall, and the larger the wheel rim will appear to the visual effect. Of course, the thinner the tire wall means the weaker the ability to filter the road vibration.
The letter R in the above parameters also has its meaning. It represents that the tire is a radial tire, which means that the tire inner cord weave arrangement is at a 90-degree angle to the center line of the tread, which is named after the radial line on the globe. Generally, the crown part of this kind of tire will increase the steel wire layer, so that it can withstand greater internal pressure stress, has the characteristics of less deformation of the tread, better ground grip and stability, and is more suitable for high-speed driving. Therefore, nowadays cars generally use radial tires.
2. Speed Grade, Load Index
Having seen the tire size parameters, let us look at a set of parameters that are usually overlooked. Its height will directly affect the maximum weight that the tire can bear and the maximum speed allowed by the design.
| Load Index Comparison Table | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | Allowable load index | Value | Maximum allowable load index | ||
| 85 | ≤515kg | 89 | ≤580kg | ||
| 86 | ≤530kg | 90 | ≤600kg | ||
| 87 | ≤545kg | 91 | ≤615kg | ||
| 88 | ≤560kg | 92 | ≤630kg | ||
3. "3T" Index
When we buy and use tires in daily life, we always talk about terms such as grip, wear resistance, etc. When choosing tires, apart from word of mouth, is there a quantitative standard to help us choose tires scientifically and reasonably? The "3T" index can be used for your reference to a certain extent.
In addition, the traction index may be different from our usual understanding. It refers to the classification based on the longitudinal traction coefficient obtained by the straight braking of the wet ground on a specific road, rather than the grip performance of all grounds that we understand in a broad sense. In other words, the better the index rating is, the better the tires will perform in straight braking, acceleration, and starting under rain and snow, but it will not affect the handling performance of corners.
4. Production Date and Wear Indication
5. Other Important Parameters
In addition to the parameters mentioned above, the tire manufacturer’s LOGO or the technology used by the tire will also appear on the sidewall of the tire. These details will change due to different manufacturers and technologies. Besides, there are some signs on the tire is also worth your attention.
