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How To Read Your Tire
Ever wonder what those numbers and letters mean that are on your tire? Check out the diagram to break it down.
Sidewall
This is the part of the tire between the tread and the bead. Tire information (service description) is written on the sidewall.
Wheel Diameter
The wheel diameter shows the diameter of the wheel the tire is designed to fit. It is a measurement between the bottom of the bead seat directly across from each other, using the same side of the wheel.
Tread Depth
A tire's tread depth refers to the amount of usable tread that is on the tire. To find out the tread depth of your tires, measure the tread groove in the tire centerline from the the groove base to the top of the tread. To get the best measurement, use a tread depth gauge.
To get a quick measurement of your tire's tread depth, you can use a quarter and a penny. Place a quarter in the tread groove with the head facing down and towards you. If you can see the top of George Washington's head, your tires are worn below 4/32nds of an inch. At this depth, your tires are more prone to hydroplaning and reduces your stopping ability greatly.
With a penny, place the penny with the head facing down and towards you. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln's head, your tires are worn below 2/32nds of an inch. A lot of states classify a tire legally worn down at 2/32nds of an inch.
Tread Width
This is the measurement of the distance between the outer edges of the tire's usable tread.
Speed Rating
The speed rating indicates, by using a letter, the maximum safe speed that the tire is designed to carry a load under certain conditions.
Approved Rim
The rim width describes the acceptable range of widths of wheels approved for that particular tire size.
Load Rating
The load index number indicates the tire's carrying capacity when it is inflated to it's maximum while sustaining pressure. This number is used to indicate how many pounds of weight the tire can carry.
Tire Width
Tire width is the measurement of the width or thickness of the tire in millimeters. This measurement is figured by measuring the widest point of the tire's sidewall to the widest point of the tire's inner sidewall. Tire width is also known as section width.
Service Description
This is a collection of numbers and letters that are molded into the sidewall stating the speed rating, load index and load carrying capacity.
Aspect Ratio
The Aspect Ratio is the ratio of the height of a tire's cross-section to the tire's width. It is represented by the two-digit number after the slash mark. The larger the aspect ratio, the larger the tire's sidewall will be.