How to Measure Tire Sizes

Selecting new tires for your vehicle is quite like buying shoes for you. You have to be certain that the tires are exactly the same that fit on your wheel. They should neither be too small nor too big or anything other than the specified tires for your vehicle. They can likely be safety risks on the road. Here are some points given to keep in mind while getting tires for your vehicle.

Components

There are special codes which are used by the tire manufacturers to symbolize the dimensions and the specifications of a set of tires. Tire manufacturers used the basic set of numbers and letters. Brands can be different but specifications would be the same.

Kinds

The tire size usually begins with a group of letters that indicate the specifications of the tire, and also for what particular vehicle it is used for. Following are some of the common tire kinds available in the market:

• P – Tires designed for most passenger vehicles.
• T – Tires specifically designed as a space saver or as a spare tire.
• LT – Tires designed to bear light weights of cargo.
• C – Tires designed to carry commercial cargo.
• ST – Tires designed for trucks and heavy equipment.

Section Width

The measurement of the cross section of the tire is characterized by the section width. The distance between the widest part of the outer sidewall and the widest part of the inner sidewall is known as its section width.

Tire Profile

The height of the sidewall is called tire profile or aspect ratio. It is expressed as the percentage value between the ratio and the section width of the tire. Most passenger tires have the value ‘50’ on the tire size.

Construction

Construction specifications are often indicated as:

• R – Tires made with radial construction. You find radial tires on most of the cars.
• D – Tires made with a diagonal bias. They are usually equipped and fitted on trucks and trailers.
• B – Tires are belted tires. The tires are made by reinforced the tires with steel cables or belts. This type of tires is rarely seen nowadays.

Diameter

The diameter of the tire is often a whole number expressed in inches. However, for trucks, trailers and heavy equipment, there are tire sizes with half inches as well.

Calculators to Measure Tire Size (Tire Size Calculators)

Tire size calculators are nowadays common on internet where you give certain values like tread depth, rim size and car make and it will tell you the tire size. They can be of great help if you are having any problem in measurement of tire size or if you are unfamiliar with the equations of tire size measurements.

Tires are an important part of your vehicle and your safety is very much dependent on them. Always buy a set of tires designed to comfort your driving and also give you sense of security. With the help of this article you will be able to buy a right set of tire size for your vehicle.