Whenever you are out buying tyres for your vehicle, there are a lot of factors that you should consider so that you can get your hands on the right set of wheels. One of the biggest points which many people might overlook, but could also be an important one, is the size of the tyres. Having tyres of the right size not only plays a big role in the way that your vehicle performs, but also helps in determining various things like its safety, efficiency, and much more.
But, how do you know which is the right tyre size for your vehicle, and how do you know which size of tyres your vehicle is currently equipped with? Well, you might have noticed that there is a series of numbers and letters written on the sidewall of your car tyres. Well, that series is what denotes the size of your car tyres. But there are various things in that series as well that you should know. And that is what we will be covering in this blog. Here we will be providing you with an in-depth guide on how you can read the size of your car tyres, and the meaning of these numbers and letters.
What Is The Tyre Code?
Well, if you are a vehicle owner, then you might have seen a combination of numbers and letters such as 206/53 R15 91V. Many people think that this series does not serve any purpose and is just a design on the tyre sidewall. But, this code is the only way through which you could just look at your car tyres and find what size they are. This tyre code gives you important details such as:
- Tyre width.
- Aspect ratio (the height of the tyre’s sidewall).
- Construction type.
- Wheel diameter.
- Load index (how much weight the tyre can carry).
- Speed rating (the maximum safe speed for the tyre.
Learning about this can help you find the right replacement when you have to Buy Tyres UK. So, let’s cover these points in detail.
Tyre Width
First of all, let’s talk about the tyre width. If the code written on the tyre is 206/53 R15 91V, then 206 is the width of the tyres in millimetres. This means that the tyre is 206 millimetres wide from sidewall to sidewall, and only when it is fully inflated.
The reason why it is important to have tyres with the right width is that having tyres with the right width ensures that your vehicle has the right amount of grip and traction on the surface. And if you get the tyres which are not of the right width for your vehicle, and are narrow, then the performance of your vehicle might also be impacted, and your vehicle might become less safe.
Aspect Ratio
The next point, which is covered in the tyre size, is the aspect ratio of the tyres. This means the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the tyre’s width. If the code of your car’s tyre is 206/53 R15 91V, then 53 is the aspect ratio. And it means that the sidewall height is 53%to 206 mm, which will be about 109 mm.
Construction Type
Different types of tyres have different Construction Types, and having the ones which fit best with your vehicle is important for optimal performance and a safe driving experience. In the code 206/53 R15 91V, R denotes the construction type of the tyres, which is Radial construction. Tyres with this type of construction are strong, flexible, and provide good comfort and grip.
Wheel Diameter
Wheel diameter is denoted by 15 in the code 206/53 R15 91V. This tells the wheel (rim) diameter in inches. Here, it means that your car’s tyre is going to fit a wheel with a diameter of 15 inches. You should ensure that you have the right set of wheels to ensure that they fit well in the rim.
Load Index
Load index refers to the amount of load that your car’s tyres can take from your vehicle. This means the maximum weight each tyre can safely carry. In the code 206/53 R15 91V, 91 denotes the load index. This means that each tyre can carry 615 kilograms when properly inflated. You can go for tyres which have an extra load index, but never go for the ones which are lower than recommended.
Speed Rating
The final letter in the code ‘206/53 R15 91V’ denotes the speed rating of the Continental Tyres UK. In this code, V denotes the speed rating. Here is what different letters mean: different speed ratings:
- T: up to 190 km/h.
- H: up to 210 km/h.
- V: up to 240 km/h.
- W: up to 270 km/h.
Conclusion
Understanding tyre size might seem like a small detail, but it can be one of the most important factors to getting the right tyres for your vehicle. Here we have provided you with a detailed breakdown of what the right tyre size for your vehicle might be. So, use this blog as a guide and make sure to get the right set of wheels for your vehicle.
