Marking of tires and its interpretation

The Car in the modern world has long ceased to be a luxury (except status types and brands). The new models appear more and more often, along with them, and increases the number of “Shoe” for them. In order to navigate in their diversity, it is not enough just to know the width of the tire and its diameter, we need a number of other parameters. To understand all this bunch of data was developed marking tires. It is somewhat different from European and American manufacturers, but not so dramatically.

European marking tires

On the lateral surface of each tire there is a number of symbols in which encoded all information about her. For example, decipher the inscription 175/70 R13 82 T:

• 175/70 (meaning millimeters) - width tires and the recommended rim width. The number 70 (mean %) - the ratio of height and width, i.e. the height of the tyre ­equal to 70% of its width. Some of the markings, this part is skipped (185 R14 C 102 Q), which means that this tire has a ratio of from 80% to 82%. Such tires are called full-profile.
• The Letter "R" indicate the type of the structure (not the radius) - in this case radial. There is also a design with wrap around cord (denoted by the letter "B") and diagonal (denoted by "D"), but it is very rare.
• Число13 (inches) denotes the outer diameter of the disk on which it is recommended to install a tire or, respectively, the inner diameter of the tire.
• Following the numbers 8 and 2 represent an index or load factor. There is a table in which the correspondence of index and maximum load in kilograms that the tyre can withstand. But there is a General trend – the greater the ratio, the greater the load the tyre can withstand. This information is relevant for trucks, taxis and buses.
• Followed by character string information. In our case it is "T". This is a designation of the maximum speed at which the guaranteed parameters of the tyre (the compliance is also summarized in a table).

American marking tires

The Symbols mentioned by the Americans, different alphabetic characters facing digital content: LT 235/75 R 15. These symbols contain the transcript of the type of car to which the tyre is designed:

• LT – for light trucks;
• P – passenger cars;
• C – special tires for trailers;
• T – temporary tire.

There are more us specific labeling of tires: 31х10.5 R15. There are 31 (inch) - outer diameter of the tire, 10.5 in (size is specified in inches) - the width R - radial construction, 15 (inches) - inner diameter tires.

There are still some designations that indicate the tires. For example:

• AS, All Season, M+S, Aw, M&S - all designation for all-weather tires.
• Aquacontact, Aquatred, Rain, Aqua, Water, or painted umbrella - special tires for the rain.
• Painted snowflake - for use at low temperatures and an abundance of snow.

Many Different symbols. It's not easy - marking tires. And the symbols may take a long time if you are not an expert. Maybe you should trust the professionals who will be able to advise you several options from which you choose the one that suits you? Marking of tyres for trucks has its own characteristics, there is no professional advice not to do exactly.