Tips on Reading the Tire Codes on the Sidewall

Whether you know a lot about car repair or you feel completely overwhelmed by simple vehicle maintenance tasks, there are a lot of things that are important to know to ensure your car is kept in the best condition possible. Understanding more about how to read tire codes in Athens County, OH can give you the ability to care for your car’s tires more effectively and help you feel more confident when handling repairs, maintenance and replacement.

Tire codes and ratings

At first glance, it might seem like there is an overwhelming amount of information printed on tire sidewalls. While this information can be difficult to decipher, it can tell you a lot about your tires and give you some essential information that comes in handy during tire maintenance, repair and replacement. Tire codes communicate a lot of information, so it’s helpful to break them down into some distinct categories. Here are some of the most important tire codes in Athens County, OH:

• Service ratings: The first letter printed on a tire’s sidewall is the service rating. P stands for passenger vehicle, and LT stands for light truck. Sometimes, LT is the first thing printed on the sidewall, but it may also be printed after the first figures on the sidewall. A tire code that begins with a T indicates that the tire is a temporary spare. ST indicates that the tires are intended for use exclusively with trailers. C is used on tires for commercial use. There is also a separate designation for European cars—these begin with a number code that indicates the dimensions of the tire.
• Section width: The numbers following the service rating describe the section width of the tire. This measurement is given in millimeters and indicates the width from the inner sidewall to the outer sidewall.
• Aspect ratio: Following the section width, there is typically a dash followed by the aspect ratio of the tire. The aspect ratio is a two-digit number that indicates the ratio of the tire sidewall size in relation to the wheel. The lower the ratio, the smaller the tire sidewall in relation to the wheel. An aspect ratio of 45, for example, means that the sidewall makes up 45 percent of the total size of the tire.
• Tire and wheel diameter: The tire and wheel diameter figure is printed following the aspect ratio. This figure indicates the appropriate wheel diameter to be used with the tire. This measurement is provided in inches and ranges anywhere from 8 to 28.

Tire ratings in Athens County, OH

At Dana’s Tire Center, we know that understanding tire codes can be challenging, and we’re here to take the guesswork out of the process. Our team of experts knows how to read tire ratings in Athens County, OH and ensure you receive the maintenance, repair and replacement services you need to stay safe on the road. Give us a call to schedule an appointment or stop by for help from our team of experienced technicians.

Categorised in: Tires

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