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Tire & Wheel Glossary

Air Pressure Alignment Load Ratings Mixing Tires Mounting & Balancing Noise & Vibration Problems Puncture Repairs Sidewall Styles Speed Ratings Tire Rotation Tire Sizing

Tire Storage Treadwear Indicator Uniform Tire Quality Grading When to Replace Tires

Tire SizingPassenger Tire sizing is typically displayed as:

P215/65R15 89H

The "P" stands for "P-Metric" or "Passenger". This means that it is a North American tiresizing designation. European tires typically don't have the "P" attached to the size. Tires

with higher ply ratings will generally start with "LT" which stands for "Light Truck". Thisindicates the tire is an LT metric and will always have a Load Range indicated. It isimportant to note this for vehicles that call for LT metric tires. Never substitute a P metrictire for an LT metric tire, even if all the other dimensions are the same.

The "215" is the width of a tire, also known as the "section width". This is the width of the

tire in millimeters at its widest point from sidewall to sidewall when mounted on the

recommended rim width. The actual tire width can vary depending on the rim width it ismounted on.

The "65"is known as the Aspect Ratio. It is calculated by dividing the section height by thesection width and multiplying by 100. (In this example, the sidewall will be 65% of 215)

The "R" stands for Radial, meaning it has a radial construction. Radial tires have ply cordsthat extend to the beads and are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread, thecarcass being stabilized by a circumferential belt. Other possibilities include "B" for belted

construction and "D" for diagonal construction. This means the ply cords extend to thebeads and are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.

The "15" stands for the diameter of the wheel in inches. This is the exact size that this tirewill fit. There are some older rims called "TRX" which are metric measurements like 390.You CAN NOT mix TRX rims with regular tires or vise-versa.

The "89" is the load index

The "H" is the speed symbol.

Speed Ratings

The speed rating of any tire is a measurement of the top safe speed the tire can carry a load

under specified conditions. It is also an indication of how the tire will handle at lower speeds. Ahigher rated tire will give you better traction and improved steering response even at 50mph.

Below is a listing of common speed ratings:

Q = 99 MPH, 160km/hS = 112 MPH, 180km/h

T = 118 MPH, 190km/h

U = 124 MPH, 200km/h

H = 130 MPH, 210km/h

V = 149 MPH, 240km/h

Z = 149 MPH, 240km/h and over

W = 168 MPH, 270km/h

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Y = 186 MPH, 300km/h

It is not recommended to downgrade your tires to a lower speed rating than of the OEM tires thatcame with your vehicle at the time of purchase. Doing so can effect the handling of the car, and in

an emergency situation that can be dangerous. Also, never mix tires with different speed ratings

on your vehicle.

Load Ratings

The load rating for any tire (load index) indicates the maximum weight that each tire is able to

support. Below is a quick rating of common Load Indexes:

Load Index Pounds (lbs) Kilograms (kgs)

60 551 250

61 567 25762 584 265

63 600 272

64 617 28065 639 29066 662 300

67 677 307

68 695 31569 717 325

70 739 335

71 761 34572 783 35573 805 365

74 827 375

75 853 38776 882 400

77 908 412

78 937 42579 964 43780 990 450

81 1018 462

82 1047 47583 1074 487

84 1102 500

85 1135 51586 1168 53087 1201 545

88 1234 560

89 1278 58090 1323 600

91 1356 615

92 1389 63093 1433 65094 1477 670

95 1521 69096 1565 71097 1609 730

98 1653 750

99 1708 775100 1764 800

101 1819 825

102 1874 850103 1929 875104 1984 900

105 2039 925

106 2095 950107 2149 975

108 2205 1000

109 2271 1030110 2337 1060111 2403 1090

112 2469 1120

113 2535 1150114 2601 1180

115 2679 1215

116 2750 1250117 2833 1285118 2911 1320

119 2999 1360

120 3080 1400121 3197 1450

122 3308 1500

123 3410 1550124 3528 1600


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125 3638 1650

Sidewall Markings

Here are some other markings you may find on your tire's sidewall:

The M+S (also displayed as M&S or M-S) indicates the tire has all season capabilities.You will find this on almost all all season and winter tires. Summer tires will not have this

designation. For a tire to get this designation, it must have a specified tread-to-void ratio,however it does not mean that the tire has passed any actual tests for it effectiveness in

severe conditions.

indicates a Severe Snow Conditions rating. Tires bearing this symbol will providesnow performance superior to tires only bearing the M+S symbol. These are the safesttires for any kind of winter driving. Some ski resorts will not even let you up their mountain

if you do not have this symbol on your tires.DOT stands for Department of Transportation. The 10, 11 or 12 digit code appearing afterthe DOT designation gives information such as the week and year the tire was produced,

as well as the manufacturer, plant, tire line, and size. The first 2 characters designate the

tire's manufacturer and plant code. The third, fourth and fifth characters, are the tire sizecode. The last three or four numbers (4 numbers for years after 2000) are when the tire

was manufactured. The first two digits of the date code represent the week and the last 1

or 2 digits represent the year.Maximum Inflation Pressure is the highest inflation pressure that the tire can withstand.This is not, however, the recommended inflation pressure. Inflation pressures should never

be below the recommended pressure or above the maximum pressure branded on the

sidewall.Also see Air Pressure.


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Sidewall Descriptions

Below is a quick legend to notations describing the appearance of the tire's sidewall.

Sidewall Marking Meaning

BCS BLACK CIRCUMFERENCIAL SERRATION

BL BLACK LETTERS

BSL BLACK SERRATED LETTERS

BSB BROKEN SERRATED BAND

ENWL EXTRA NARROW WHITE LETTERS

ROBL RAISED OUTLINED BLACK LETTERS

OWL OUTLINED WHITE LETTERS

OBL OUTLINED BLACK LETTERS

OGL OUTLINED GOLD LETTERS

ORBL OUTLINED RAISED BLACK LETTERS

ORWL OUTLINED RAISED W HITE LETTERS

OWL OUTLINED WHITE LETTERS

RBL RAISED BLACK LETTERS

RWL RAISED WHITE LETTERS

RRBL RECESSED RAISED BLACK LETTERS

SBL SERRATED BLACK LETTERS

SRBL SERRATED RAISED BLACK LETTERS

SOWL SLANTED OUTLINED WHITE LETTERS

SVSB SLANTED VERTICAL SERRATED BAND

VSB VERTICAL SERRATED BAND

WL WHITE LETTERS

WS WHITE STRIPE

WW WHITE WALL

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

The Uniform Tire Quality Gradingrating is a quality rating system developed by the American

Department of Transportation. It is designed to tell consumers the relative performance ofpassenger tires (but does not apply to winter tires).

Below is an example of a UTQG Rating:

150A B

The "150" indicates the treadwear rating

the "A" indicates traction

the "B" indicates temperature

The Treadwear rating is based on a wear test performed on a 400 mile government test course

covering specified sections of public roads in Texas. A group of not more than 4 test vehiclestravels the course in a convoy so that all tires experience the same conditions. Tread groove

depths of the tires being tested are measured after each 800 miles. The same procedure is

followed for a set of "control" or "course monitoring tires" Upon the completion of the 7200 miletest, the rating results of both tires are compared, and the tires being tested are assigned atreadwear rating according to government standards. This number can be used to compare

between tires. In the above example, this tire rated 150 should last 1/2 as long as a tire rated

300. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use and maybe significantly different from the norm due to differences in road characteristics and climate.

The Traction ratings are AA, A, B, and C, from highest to lowest. This measurement indicates atires ability to stop in a straight line on wet pavement. The rating is based on a 40mph test where

the brakes are "locked up" on wet asphalt and wet concrete surfaces. It's important to remember

that this rating does not indicate the tires ability to resists hydroplaning, and do not apply tocornering traction.

Temperature ratings are determined by running tires on an indoor roadwheel test under specifiedconditions. Successive 30 minute runs are made in 5mph increments starting at 75mph and

continuing until the tires fails. Tires with an A rating must withstand at least 114mph, B at least

99mph, and C at least 85mph. These measurements indicate the tire's ability to sustain hightemperatures which often cause tires to wear away quickly or in extreme conditions lead tosudden tire failure.

Mixing Tires

Generally tires should not be mixed on any vehicle. To receive maximum safety and performanceit is preferable to keep every tire on a vehicle identical in size, brand, model, rating etc. One of

the only exceptions is if the front and rear wheels are different like on all Porsche's and other highperformance vehicles.


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Tire Storage

Storing Winter Tires

The best place to store winter tires is in a cool, dry location. (Basement, or possibly a garage).You can lay them down flat, stacked on top of each other no taller than 4 high. This offers themost support and should eliminate any fitting problems the following fall. We also recommend that

you return to the store/dealer from where you purchased your tires from and ask for storage

bags. This will protect the tires from natural ozone in the air which can cause tire rubber to dryand crack. Wrap each tire individually and stack them. Stored tires should be kept away from

electric motors or welders as these produce ozone which will damage the rubber over time.

Air Pressure

Are your tires set at the optimum inflation? Chances are they are anywhere from 8psi to 18psi less than

recommended. The most common way of damaging tires is improper inflation. Low air pressure causes tires

to experience irregular treadwear as well as poor vehicle handling and traction. Under inflated tires can

build up excessive heat and blow out wi thout warning.

Keeping your tires set at the manufacturer's recommended pressure is one of the easiest ways of saving

gasoline, increasing tire treadlife, and ensuring safety. An Arizona Energy Office Report notes if your tires

are inflated to 24psi, and you increase the air pressure to 32psi, your fuel mileage should increase by 3

miles per gallon (an average increase of 10%!)

Always check your air pressure and make adjustments when the tires are cold (tires have not been driven

for 2 hours). Air pressure should be checked bi-weekly at the very least. T his is important because as

outside temperatures change, so does tire air pressure. A 10 degree drop in temperature can reduce tire

pressure by 1psi. That means if you set your pressures in the July and don't check them again until

December, you could have lost several psi, decreasing fuel mileage and causing pre-mature tire wear. Also

remember to check your spare tire for loss of air.

If you are unsure how to use an air pressure gauge and hose, your local tire shop should be willing to show

you the correct procedure. Always use a good quality tire pressure gauge that is not on a hose. The tire

gauges built into the air hoses at your local garage have generally not been maintained and can not be

trusted to be accurate.

*Note, air pressures can be tuned, however you should NEVER exceed the maximum pressure branded

on the tires sidewall, and NEVER set pressures lower than recommended in the vehicles owners manual.

Also, if you have altered your tire size from original, then the minimum pressure may need to be adjusted.

Consult a rim/tire professional for correct pressures.


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Tread Wear Indicator

As your tires wear down, their ability to grip the road decreases. Each tire has what are known

as wear bars. These appear at various points around the tire as bars running through the tread

design from one side of the tire to the other. When your tires are legally worn out (2/32") thetread will be at the same level as the tread wear indicators and they will be easily visible. Usually

before the tire gets to this point, they will begin to feel unsafe. If that is the case, do not wait for

them to get to the wear bars. Just because the tread depth is not as low as the tread wear bar,does not mean it is safe.

Tire Rotation

Because each tire on your car typically supports a different amount of weight, and your driving

patterns will typically wear out one tire faster than the others, it's important to rotate your tiresevery 5000 to 8000 miles. Rotation patterns differ depending on what kind of vehicle you drive.The best place to check is in your vehicle's owners manual. If you can not find what you are

looking for, below are some diagrams showing you the most common patterns.

Of course, if your vehicle has different sizes of tires from front to back, or if your tires aredirectional, these may not work. Consult a professional if you are still not sure.

Alignment

Vehicle alignment is one of the most important factors in not only vehicle care, but tire care.

Improper alignment on either the front or rear wheels can result in unusual tread wear, damage toyour suspension, and unusual handling for the car. Wheel alignments should be performed every

time you install a new set of tires, and any time you experience an impact such as a large pot

hole, curb, or other obstacle. For maintenance purposes, alignment should be checked every30,000 km (about 18,700 miles).

There are several alignment types, including both two and four wheel alignment. Four wheelalignment is always recommended, but some vehicles are not able to have the rear alignment

adjusted. Consult with an alignment specialist you trust to find out what's best for your car.

Warning signs that you might need an alignment are your car pulling to one side or another, and

irregular tire wear.

Puncture Repairs

A puncture to any area of a tire's tread will affect performance and safety, and therefore must beimmediately attended to through either replacement of the tire (spare or new tire) or a patch. Any

patch that is applied to a tire must be applied to both the outer part of the tire (tread) and the

inner part of the tire. The reason for this is that the rubber on each side is very different (inside ismade of halobutyl rubber meant for holding air, while the outside is a harder durable rubberprimarily designed for traction). A good tire repair can only be made if the tire is removed from

the rim (wheel) and inspected carefully for any hidden damage. Only straight through holes, 3/16"or smaller diameter may be repaired, when no secondary damage has ocured.


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Noise and Vibration Problems

Below are the most common (but not the only) causes of noise and vibration problems:

Tire / wheel assembly is out of balance

No hub centric rings on aftermarket wheels >Buy Hub Centric Rings

Incorrect mounting hardware for aftermarket wheels

Tire is poorly seated on the rim

Irregular tire wear

Out of round rim

Out of round tire

Do not ignore apparent impacts, pulling, or vibration. This could be an indicator of tire damage as

much as mechanical problems that should be inspected by a professional. If there is a problemwith your tires and the way they have been installed they will most likely begin to shake andvibrate your vehicle at between 50 and 65 mph.

When do you need to Replace Tires?

Tires are typically replaced when their natural lifespan has come to an end. There are howeverany number of factors that can affect this including storage, temperature, surfaces they are drivenon, how aggressive of a driver you are, punctures, etc.

The usual recommendation for replacing tires is when they no longer feel safe to the driver. Youcan see when they are legally worn out using the tread wear indicator. A typical set of tires under

normal driving conditions will last approximately 40 000 miles or 64 000 km. Some tires of-courseare designed for much longer, even up to 80 000 miles or 128 000 kilometers.

Mounting and Balancing

When mounting wheels & tires on to the vehicle, ensure the following checks are made:

Wheels are not damaged in any way

There is no dirt or oily build up between the hub and the wheel

Lugs are properly torqued

Both tire beads are securely mounted

Any retaining clips on the brake drums are removed

Tires are manufactured to close tolerances, however as they wear their mass can becomeunevenly distributed, negatively effecting the original balance. The most common signs of

unbalanced tires are vibration problems. These can affect the speed, handling and mileage of

your vehicle. Balancing is done by a computer that spins the wheel / tire assembly, senses heavyspots, and gives a location for the technician to apply weight to counter the heavy spots. The best

type of balance is a dynamic balance, and this should be performed whenever possible. (Some

rim designs will not allow this type of balance and you would have to settle for a static balance)

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