How to Read Tire Sizes Correctly?
How to Read Tire Sizes Correctly
Written on the sidewall of car tires, tire sizes indicate the different tire measurements in a uniform format: AAA/BBCDD. The AAA represents the section width of the tires in millimeters. The BB refers to the profile or aspect ratio of the tire, which is the tire’s height as a percentage of the width. The C indicates the internal construction of the tires. The DD refers to the diameter in inches of the rim where the tire will be attached. For example, a tire size expressed in the mentioned format is 225/50R16.
Why do you need to know how to read tire sizes? Being able know the markings on the sidewall of your stock tires can help a lot in buying your new set of tires. Because you know the measurements of the existing tires—which of course suit your vehicle’s specifications—you will be able to know what measurements you need to find for your new tires. You might end up buying a tire that is either too small or too big for your vehicle or a tire that does not fit your car rims if you don’t know what tire sizes that you need. Such information, whether read accurately or not, can spell the difference between perfect fit and disaster for your vehicle once you have bought your brand-new tires.
So, before you run to your online or local auto parts store, check first the tire size indicated on your tires so that you can easily buy the new ones for your vehicle.
