The tyres you have on your car provide the contact between your car and the road. The tyres play an extremely important part not only in your car’s performance, but also in overall safety. Improper or worn out or bald tyres, compromise the overall traction and road handling of your car. This can have disastrous consequences.
Therefore, when looking for new tyres it is best to go to experts such as Pirelli or Bridgestone tyre distributors, Auto press Kenya, Generation Tyres, Kingsway Tyres or Yana Tyres. It also pays to have a little knowledge of the basics as well, so you can feel assured you are getting the right tyres for your car.
The first thing to be aware of is the specifications your car’s manufacturer has outlined for your car. You do not have to stick to a particular brand, but the tyres you buy must fit the wheel properly, and be of a size and type recommended by the manufacturer. It is also important that both tyres on one axle have the same tread pattern and tread depth. This will ensure that the car’s braking, steering and handling qualities are not comprised.
You may notice on the side of tyres there is a complex looking code. This provides all of the information you need to know about that tyre. For example, if a tyre has a code like this on its side – P205/65R15 94H – here is what each part means:
- ‘P’ means it is a passenger tyre
- 205’ refers to the section width of the tyre when it is properly inflated. The section width is the distance between the tyre’s exterior sidewalls.
- ‘65’ is a percentage describing the tyre’s ‘aspect ratio’. This ratio relates to the comparison between the tyre’s section height and width.
- ‘R’ stands for radial, which is a common tyre type and relates to its construction type.
- ‘15’ is the wheel’s diameter in inches
- ‘94’ describes the tyre’s load rating, which in this case is 670 kg. This is an index and relates to the maximum load that a tyre can carry at its maximum speed capability
- ‘H’ is a code for the speed rating and in this case it means it is rated to travel at 210 km/h, when carrying a maximum load of 670 kg
The numbers and letters on tyres may all seem to be quite complex but in essence it is just a very simple way of conveying all the information you need to know when the times comes to replacing your tyres. Do not be afraid to do some research upfront and see which tyres get good reviews in car magazines and professional websites. Your tyre expert will also have some recommendations. A good set of tyres are pivotal in providing efficient performance and safety, just as the maker intended, and will be one of the most important purchases you make for your car.
