What do the letters and numbers on my tires mean? However, knowing how to read tire sizes will make the process infinitely easier and arm you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. This can be tricky since many vehicles can come from the factory with more than one tire size (even in the same model year). When setting out to buy a new set of tires, it’s important to know what size your tires are before you get started. You have to learn the basics.įortunately, unlike learning a new language, learning how to read tire size requires far less memorization. As of today I’m 26 years old and a proud owner of a Yamaha Fz15 version 2.0 and a Kawasaki Ninja 650 2014 model having clocked a decent 30k Kms only while touring, waiting to clock 1000s more as riding makes me feel whole again after enduring the dismal routines of life.Trying to read a tire’s size without knowing what you’re looking at is like trying to have a conversation in a foreign language you don’t know. This one short ride influenced my every decision in terms of the bikes I want to own. I was just 14 years old at the time and got to ride as a pillion with an older acquaintance. Eventually I became familiar with the tools and basic technical concepts of two wheelers.Super sport and sport tourers are more of my liking and the sparks to these flames were ignited the first time I experienced the maddening power of a Yamaha YZF R1. Adding to my interest for speed, I grew engrossed in the working mechanics of two wheelers thanks to my father as he is a hydraulic mechanic and would take me along with him on his repair sessions. When all the other kids would break downhill I would pedal harder just to go faster and enjoy the thrill. My need for speed began at a very early age and I realised this as soon as I got my first bicycle at the age of 8. H (Section Height of Tyre) / W (Section Width of Tyre) X 100 = Aspect Ratio (%) Here, if we go by simple mathematics, the tyre aspect ratio percentage can be calculated as under: Understand this trail of confusing alphanumeric figures in this way.įor instance, if the side wall of a tyre reads: 205 / 60 R16 92 Hġ) 205 (section width in mm) – It’s the total width of the tyre in millimetres.Ģ) 60 (aspect ratio in percentage) – As explained above, it’s the ratio of section height to the section width.ģ) R (radial construction) – Denotes that the layers run radially across the tyreĤ) 16 (rim diameter in inches) – The measurement of rimĥ) 92 (load index) – The number states the maximum load carrying capacity.Ħ) H (speed symbol) – This symbol signifies the permissible speed. Therefore, in order to provide a mix of decent handling quality and comfortable ride, an even balance of high and low aspect ratio is witnessed in most of our regular tyres.ĭecoding the tyre measurements and tyre sizes code. However, here you cannot expect cushioning comfort, as the suspension suffers from the vibrations produced by tyres because the tyre here, holds less air. So what about the tyres with low aspect ratio? Such tyres, with shorter side walls, will play their role heroically while cornering and by providing better handling. Such tyres, at one point may compromise on the handling part but will surely provide you with ultra comfort ride due to more amount of air inside the tyre. You must have noticed that the trucks, buses and even luxury cars possess high aspect ratios of about 95. If the aspect ratio of a tyre is higher, then the side wall will be clearly taller. Aspect ratio of a tyre in layman’s term is denoted by a percentage (nos.) which hints at the tyre height (or section height), from bead to the tread, with regards to the tyre width (or section width). The side wall code lets you know the tyre specs such as width, load index, diameter, speed rating and profile of a particular tyre. So, come along, let’s crack down this mystery and unveil the secret behind. Despite that fact, we Indians have a legacy to solve the unsolved. By looking at it, at first instance, the cryptogram appears no less than a riddle. The tyre ratio helps you find the right tyre for your car. The side wall of a tyre carries vital information with respect to the tyre size and helps you get the aspect ratio of a tyre. Most of us don’t know what they are meant for. When it comes to car tyre maintenance there are many things that go unnoticed, like the alphanumeric codes inscribed on the side wall of your car’s tyre.
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