All You Need to Know About Tires

Did you know that how a tire wears.. depends on a number of different reasons...

For example:  Tires on the front wear more on the edges than the rears because front tires turn when you turn the steering wheel.
The right side tires receive additional stress because the right tires are more likely to come in contact with curbs.
The left side tires also receive a little stress because that is the side the driver sits on.
If tires are left in the same corner of the vehicle, one tire will wear out much faster than the others just because of where it is. In order to make sure the tires wear evenly, you should have them rotated at least twice a year. However, it is recommended that you rotate them more frequently. Which extends the life of the tire and helps to reduce fuel consumption.

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What do all the numbers mean??

Each section of small print on a tire's sidewall means something.

For example... P235/75R15

Tire Type
The P designates that the tire is a passenger vehicle tire. Some other designations are LT for Light Truck, and T for Temporary or Spare Tire.

Tire Width
The 235 is the width of the tire in millimeters (mm), measured from sidewall to sidewall. Since this measure is affected by the width of the rim, the measurement is for the tire when it is on it s intended rim size.

Aspect Ratio
The 75 number tells you the height of the tire, from the bead to the top of the tread. This is described as a percentage of the tire width. So... the smaller the aspect ratio, the wider the tire in relation to its height.
*High performance tires usually have a lower aspect ratio than other tires. This is because tires with a lower aspect ratio provide better lateral stability. When a car goes around a turn... lateral forces are generated and the tire must resist these forces. Tires with a lower profile have shorter, stiffer sidewalls so they resist concerning forces better.

Tire Construction
The R designates that the tire was made using radial construction. This is the most common type of tire construction. Older tires were made using diagonal bias (D) or bias belted (B) construction. A separate note indicates how many plies make up the sidewall of the tire and tread.

Rim Diameter
The 15 number specifies (in inches), the wheel rim diameter the tire is designed for.

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Tires marked with this symbol, meet specific snow traction requirements & are designed specifically for use in severe winter conditions.

You will have better control of your vehicle in winter conditions with 'identical' tires installed.
If you intend on driving in severe winter conditions, install four snow tires on your vehicle. Snow tires will assist you to control your vehicle safely in slippery conditions.

Tires marked 'M + S' or (Mud and Snow), also known as 'All-Season' tires, continue to provide safe all-weather performance, but may not always be suitable for severe snow conditions.

If you have and/or use 'Studded Snow Tires'... they are legal in BC from October 1st to April 30th.

Did you know that how a tire wears? It depends on a number of different reasons...

For example: Tires on the front wear more on the edges than the rears because front tires turn when you turn the steering wheel.

The right side tires receive additional stress because the right tires are more likely to come in contact with curbs. The left side tires also receive a little stress because that is the side the driver sits on.

If tires are left in the same corner of the vehicle, one tire will wear out much faster than the others just because of where it is. In order to make sure the tires wear evenly, you should have them rotated at least twice a year.

However, it is recommended that you rotate them more frequently. Which extends the life of the tire and helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Here is an easy way to determine how your tires may be wearing...

	Camber Wear - Extreme inner or outer edge wear which can indicate an alignment concern.
	Center Wear - A thin tread in the center of the tire may be a sign of over-inflation of the tire.
	Cup Wear - if your brake pedal or steering wheel shakes or vibrates when applying the brakes, it may be due to a needed brake repair or a faulty steering component.
	Edge Wear - A thin tread wear along both edges of the tire could be a sign of under-inflation of the tire.
	Patch Wear - Having patchy tread wear or random flat spots on the tire may indicate that they are out of balance.
	Toe Wear - A thin inner or outer edge wear which can indicate an alignment concern.

Find out all you need to know about tires >>

What do all the numbers mean??? Find out here >>