Toyo tires > Demystifying The Tire Sidewall Code

Demystifying The Tire Sidewall Code

by: Debbie Pettitt

So, you need new tires for your car or truck, but how do you know what to buy?
What do all those alphanumeric codes printed on the tire sidewalls mean, anyway?

If you're in the market for new tires, you may simply want to replace your worn tires with exactly the same tire it came with.
But you MAY want to consider an upgrade.
If you know how to read the tire sidewalls, chock full of valuable information, you've got an advantage over most people and are prepared to make an informed decision.
So let's get underway!

Tire Size Markings (example: P215/65R15 89H)

Broken down:

P = Passenger

Other designations are

LT = Light Truck

T = Temporary (spare tire)

215 is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall to sidewall.
A wider tire has more grip but the bad news is that you lose fuel economy, hear more noise and the tires don't work as well in the rain.

65 is the aspect ratio

The aspect ratio is the ratio of sidewall height to tire width.
With regards to aspect ratio, the larger the number, the taller the tire sidewall.
Tall (60-75) is great for a quiet ride but causes howling in turns.
Short (35-55) is better for handling--more for sports cars.

R indicates Radial.
This means it is constructed with a series of support belts sideways under the tread.

Other designations include

B for Belted Bias

and

D for Diagonal Bias

The standard, and what you'll see most often, is R.

15 is the wheel (or rim) diameter, in inches.

89 is the load index

H is the speed rating

Speed ratings indicate the top speed under ideal conditions.
Higher-rated tires are usually made of softer rubber and will have shorter UTQG tread life.
Here are a few of the more common speed ratings: R= 106, S=112, T=118, U=124, H=130, V=149, W=168, Y=186.
Along with this speed rating, you have a load index which indicates the approximate weight the tire can carry.
Some of the more common load weights are as follows: 85 = 1,135 pounds, 86 = 1,168 pounds, 87 = 1,201 pounds, 88 = 1,235 pounds.

UTQG Ratings

Passenger car tires are accompanied by a UTQG Rating (Uniform Tire Quality Grading, mandated by the Federal Government) which rates the tread life of tires by looking at tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.
The UTQG Rating is usually found opposite the tire size markings and will be in three separate ratings: treadwear, traction and temperature.

The treadware grade standard is 100.
A grade of 200 means the tread would wear twice as well as a tire graded 100.

Traction grades run from AA to C, with AA being the highest grade and C meaning the tire brakes poorly on both wet concrete and wet asphalt.

Temperature grades rate the tire's resistance to and ability to dispel heat.
Those grades are A (resists heat well), B (not as good as A) and C (passes minimum safety standards.)
Keep in mind that heavy loads, under-inflation of the tires, and high speeds can all affect the tire temperature.

You should note that these tire grades rate tires measured under controlled conditions.
Factors such as driving habits, road conditions, climate, etc., are not considerations and may affect the actual performance of your tire.

DOT

DOT (Department of Transportation) indicates the tire is in compliance with applicable DOT safety standards.
Next to DOT is an identification or serial number--codes that designate where and when the tire was produced.

You'll also find other information on the sidewall such as the type and composition of the tire, the maximum cold inflation (PSI) and maximum load in pounds.

So as you can see, tires carry a huge amount of information. But it's really not all that complicated once you learn to read the code.

About The Author

Debbie Pettitt is webmaster for Everything Tires, your tire resource.
For more information on tires, visit http://everythingtires.com.

7 Things to Know Before Renting a One Way Truck

7 Things to Know Before Renting a One Way Truck

by: John Mancini

If you are about to buy a house that is a long distance away, you may have wondered the best way to get all of your stuff there. One of the best ways is to use one way truck rentals, this will allow you to rent a truck where you live, load it up and drive to where you are moving to. You then return the truck to the branch of the rental company that is closest to the new house.

1- Call around to rental companies that deal in truck rentals. You will need to know if they have any one way truck rentals available for the dates and destinations that you will require them. Be sure to ask about prices, mileage limits and costs and any extra fees associated with renting a one way vehicle.

2- The next step that needs to be completed before you can actually start moving your belongings is to figure out how much truck space you will actually need. You do not want to be caught in a situation...

7 Things to Know Before Renting a One Way Truck

Toyo tires > 7 Things to Know Before Renting a One Way Truck

Mortgage Refinance: 4 Ways To Know It?s Time to Refinance Your House.

by: Richard Martin

You may want to refinance your home for several reasons.

1)Mortgage Rates might be lower now. The biggest reason that people refinance their mortgages is to save money.
No matter what has happened to you, there is always a good reason to start saving money.
A lower rate on your mortgage can help you stretch out the payments so that every month you are paying less to live in your house than the previous month.
When interest rates are low and you had previously locked your mortgage into a higher price, it might be a good idea to shop your rate around to see how low you can get it.
The early 2000's have been an environment of very low mortgage rates which make it a good idea to shop around to see if you can refinance your mortgage.

2)You need money and need to stretch out your payments.
Maybe you've...

Mortgage Refinance: 4 Ways To Know It?s Time to Refinance Your House.

Toyo tires > Mortgage Refinance: 4 Ways To Know It?s Time to Refinance Your House.

How To Dispose Of Your Old ATV Tires

How To Dispose Of Your Old ATV Tires

by: Bill B. Carmel

When it comes time to replace your old and worn ATV tires, many riders are eager to purchase new tires, but many are unaware what to do with the old ones. Regardless where you live, throwing old tires in a body or water or natural environment is improper?and in many cases illegal?since the tires can corrupt nature. When disposing of your old ATV tires, be sure to do so in a proper and legal manner that will not negatively impact the environment for future generations.

More and more often, tires are being recycled and formed into all sorts of new products. From park benches to carpets, recycled rubber is a durable and economical product. When you are faced with the decision what to do with your old ATV tires, look to your local recycling company to see if rubber is accepted. Although you may not be able to place your tires to the curb if you community is involved with curbside recycling...

How To Dispose Of Your Old ATV Tires

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How To ?Pump? Money Back Into Your Pocket. Gas Money Saving Tips.

by: Dmitry Popov

With Gas prices around $2.60 dollars a gallon, how would you like to get 15, 20 or even 35 cents off each gallon you buy? At www.pumpandsave.com you can learn gas saving tips, compare and apply for great offers and save Big at the Pump each and every time.

Here are few tips from www.pumpandsave.com:

1. Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use.

2. Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving.

3. Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

4. Anticipate driving situations. If you anticipate traffic conditions and don't tailgate, you can avoid unnecessary...

How To ?Pump? Money Back Into Your Pocket. Gas Money Saving Tips.

Toyo tires > How To ?Pump? Money Back Into Your Pocket. Gas Money Saving Tips.

Tips For Winter Driving

Tips For Winter Driving

by: David Maillie

Winter driving can be hazardous and stressful. Wind, snow, ice and blizzard conditions increase the normal dangers of driving. There is a lot you can do before the winter driving season and during a storm to protect yourself and your family.

Before winter arrives, have your car inspected to be sure it is ready for the road conditions. You can do this yourself or take it to a qualified mechanic. Check the battery, wipers and fluid, thermostat, brakes, ignition system, antifreeze, exhaust system, lights, oil level, heater and defrosters. Make sure everything is in good working order to keep you safe throughout the cold weather.

Check your tires to be sure they are road ready. Install tires that are appropriate for the driving conditions. In moderate amounts of snow, all weather radials will do the job nicely. If you live in a climate where you experience a lot of snow, consider snow tires. These...

Tips For Winter Driving

Toyo tires > Tips For Winter Driving

Are You Thinking Of Buying A Used Car?

by: Gregory Ashton

Buying a used car can either be a wise or a foolish move. Someone with no background or knowledge whatsoever on finding a good buy might just be duped into a bad deal and end up with somebody else's garbage. But for the knowledgeable buyer, a significant amount of money might be saved by settling with a secondhand car.

Here are some tips to set you on the right track.

1. CONSIDER THE KIND OF CAR YOU NEED.

It's okay to stick to a price range or budget. But first consider the kind of car you be need. Prices vary according to the brand and make of a car. For instance, a small sedan is cheaper, but if you'd pack that car with lots of people or packages, that would cause tearing or breakdown. This would necessitate lots of repair jobs which would mean more expenses for you.

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Check out the classifieds for the regular market price ranges on the type...

Are You Thinking Of Buying A Used Car?

Toyo tires > Are You Thinking Of Buying A Used Car?

Car Insurance ? How Did They Calculate That?

by: Joseph Kenny

Insurance premiums are calculated according to several risk factors. These are the factors identified by the insurance company as most likely to have an impact on the insured against risk occurring. Insurance is a significant cost associated with the item insured and should not be rushed into. It is always a good idea to shop around for the best price available. Insurance premiums will vary considerably...

insurance quotes Toyo tires Car Insurance ? How Did They Calculate That?

Toyo tires > Car Insurance ? How Did They Calculate That?

Thrift Store Shopping Tips

by: Sintilia Miecevole

If you are tired of seeing the same old clothing styles at mall department stores and boutiques, it may be time to add a little spice to your wardrobe. Rather than looking just like everyone else, thrift stores offer access to unique items not found anywhere else- at least not in the last twenty or so years! Not only are thrift store clothes relatively inexpensive, but they can also be ultra hip. If you approach...

Thrift Store Shopping Tips Toyo tires jeans

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cars

Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy

by: Gagandeep Dhaliwal

Auto insurance provides complete protection against losses happened as a result of vehicle accidents. Normally it includes car insurance and motor insurance. The customers purchase this insurance policy just to reduce the risk incurred due to accidents of cars, trucks and other vehicles. People can also secure their vehicles against theft, fire damage or accident damage.

Auto insurance...

insurance Toyo tires Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy

Toyo tires > Auto Insurance Guide- Get your Auto Insurance Policy

Dog Aggression Training

by: Russ Richer

Why do so many dogs get euthanized when there owners could have taught them not to bite?

When it comes to dog aggressiveness, there are laws that state the dog?s owner can be charged and the dog put down if the dog bites someone. Of course, with some serious dog training, dogs can be taught to enjoy people and not be aggressive.

There are a number of reasons why dogs become aggressive. The dog may feel his territory...

potty training Toyo tires Dog Aggression Training Demystifying The Tire Sidewall Code

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