For many, the tires are just short and round, but there is more to know about them. Have you stopped to think about the meaning of the two numbers and letters that are engraved on the tires of your vehicle? Do you want to understand the load and speed index of each unit? Knowing how to decipher these details can be crucial to guarantee your safety and comfort on the road.
Let's start with the numbers. Contrary to what you might think, these are not the result of a random sequence. In fact, we provide vital information on the size, load capacity, maximum speed of the tires and many others that are crucial for a correct choice of the tires and for their condition.
Imagine that your car is equipped with a 205/55 R16 tire. The first two numbers represent the length of the tire's nominal section. It is presented in millimeters and defines the distance between the inner and outer flank of the tire. In this case, 205 means that your tire has a nominal length of 205 mm.
The second number is the relationship between the height of the tire sidewall and the length of the tire and is presented in the form of a percentage. For example, 55 indicates that the height of the sidewall, between the top of the floor and the front, represents 55% of the tire length.
Finally, 16 indicates that this tire was designed to fit no more than 16 times.
Maximum indicated speed
But wait, here's more! The letters also play a very important role. On the side of the tire you can see characters such as an "H", a "V" or other letters. In reality, these indicate the maximum speed classification for that tire. For example, a tire with the letter "H" can reach 210 km/h, while a tire with the letter "V" can reach 240 km/h.
Load index
The tire load index is another fundamental indicator. It is represented by a numerical code that corresponds to the maximum load (in kg) that can be transported by each tire. The load index and the corresponding maximum loads of the tires are presented in a standardized table, but you will also be able to find this information without the autoclave placed on the driver's door or in the owner's manual of your vehicle. For example, which includes the designation 91V, this indication corresponds to a maximum tire load of 615 kg.
What does M+S mean?
How many strange symbols? Bem, these, like all the rest, also have relevant meaning. For example, "M+S" indicates that the tire is suitable for use in snow and snow, while the snow pack within a three-peak mountain is a winter tire symbol, designed to improve operation in snow and ice conditions.
How to see the manufacturing data of a tire?
The tire data code is displayed in the DOT field, where other tire markings are found. The data code appears non-final, with four numbers. The first two numbers identify the week and the last two numbers the year of production. For example, a code with indication 4722 reveals that the tire was manufactured in the 47th week of the year 2022.
In Help Flash we give priority to road safety and knowing how to decode the indications on our tires is a fundamental part of this failure. It means being more informed and sure about the only element that connects your vehicle to the asphalt. Note: choosing the right tires and maintaining them in good conditions is essential for safer and quieter trips.
