Tyre sizes are a set of dimensions that define the characteristics of the tyre and must be complied with during tyre selection. On each tyre, there is information about the size of the elements in the tyre structure. Since the meaning of tyre sizes is determined by the order of numbers and the letters used on the tyre, it is necessary to master all the details about "what do tyre sizes mean?".
Before tyre size meanings, let's briefly mention the tyre structure. Tyres basically consist of four separate areas: tread, shoulder, sidewall and heel. The tread, which is the rubber section where the tyre and the ground come into contact, is one of the most important elements of road holding. The part where the tread of the tyre and the sidewalls meet is called the shoulder, in the simplest way, the side parts of the tyre that do not come into contact with the ground are called the sidewall and the part at the junction of the tyre and the rim is called the heel.
Tyre sizes are a set of dimensions that define the characteristics of the tyre and must be complied with during tyre selection. On each tyre, there is information about the size of the elements in the tyre structure. Since the meaning of tyre sizes is determined by the order of numbers and the letters used on the tyre, it is necessary to master all the details about "what do tyre sizes mean?".
What Do Tyre Sizes Mean?
We would like to answer the question "what do tyre sizes mean?" on the example of 205 / 55 R / 16 91V, one of the most common tyre sizes. The first part of these size indicators contains tyre width information, tyre width is the first 3-digit number in tyre size writing. Tyre width refers to the measurement of the width between the sidewalls of the tyre in millimetres. In our example, the tyre width, ie the distance between the sidewalls of the tyre, is 205 millimetres.
Another number in our sample size, 55, gives percentage-based information about the cross-sectional ratio of the tyre. In simpler terms, it shows that the ratio of the tyre's wall height to width is 55%.
In this example, which we use to provide simpler information about the meaning of tyre sizes, the letter R is used to indicate that the tyre is radial. Tyres can generally be categorised according to their use, cross-sectional ratio, pattern and size. The definition of radial is a criterion in the classification of tyres according to their structure. Radial means that the radial tyre body plies extend in the same radial plane from heel to heel.
The number 16 at the end of the tyre size meanings gives information about the rim diameter. The basic metric for rim diameter is inches.
Tyre size meanings can be expanded with a few more data. The number following the value of the rim diameter in inches represents the load index. In other words, it represents the maximum load the tyres can carry when the vehicle is travelling at maximum speed. The letter at the end of the tyre size gives information about the speed index. For both the load index and the speed index, the tables of the relevant values should be examined.
How to Read Tyre Sizes?
Until this part of our article, we have made explanations specific to tyre size meanings. In line with all this data and information, we can easily answer the question "how to read tyre sizes?" and again, based on our example 205 / 55 R / 16 91V, we can make this statement more understandable as follows; The section width of the tyre is 205 millimetres. The ratio of the width to the length of the tyre is 55%. The rim size of this radial tyre is 16 inches. The load index is 91 and the speed index is V.
You can find information about tyre sizes by examining the tyres of both your own vehicle and the vehicle you will use periodically after car rental; you can evaluate the vital selection criteria for tyre replacement when necessary. Since tyre sizes can also vary according to vehicle classes, you can read our blog content about "what are the driving licence classes?" to have precise information about which vehicle you can rent.
How to Read Tyre Sizes?
Until this part of our article, we have made explanations specific to tyre size meanings. In line with all this data and information, we can easily answer the question "how to read tyre sizes?" and again, based on our example 205 / 55 R / 16 91V, we can make this statement more understandable as follows; The section width of the tyre is 205 millimetres. The ratio of the width to the length of the tyre is 55%. The rim size of this radial tyre is 16 inches. The load index is 91 and the speed index is V.
You can find information about tyre sizes by examining the tyres of both your own vehicle and the vehicle you will use periodically after car rental; you can evaluate the vital selection criteria for tyre replacement when necessary. Since tyre sizes can also vary according to vehicle classes, you can read our blog content about "what are the driving licence classes?" to have precise information about which vehicle you can rent.
