Introduction

Every number that is written on your tyre contains some vital information. It would be very difficult to interpret the size of your tyre if you don’t know what the codes on the sidewall of the tyre mean. These random collections of numbers carry with them, some important information about your tyre. Each code that is written on the Continental tyres Shrewsbury is used to grasp information about the size of the tyre, manufacturer, and physical features of the tyre, which is usually written in the following format 205/55R16. This blog will talk about what each number means on the tyre, and what all should be kept in mind while buying new tyres.

How to Read Tyre Codes

The tyre codes are a sequence of numbers and letters. Since there are so many tyre sizes available, it is important to know the size of your existing tyre, which will be asked while ordering new tyre/s. The most commonly used tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16. Let us now understand what each digit and alphabet means.

• Tyre Width

In the code, 205/55R16, 205 denotes the width of the tyre. The three digits in this set denote the width in millimetres. A tyre that is marked with 205 in the start will be measured as 205mm across the tread tyre from sidewall to sidewall. 

• Aspect Ratio 

The next two digits 55 represent the aspect ratio or the profile height of the tyre sidewall expressed in the form of a percentage of the tyre width. If we consider the code 205/55R16, 55 here means that the aspect ratio of the tyre is 55% of the width.

• Radial

Almost all new tyres that are manufactured in the UK are radial. If we talk about the construction of these tyres, they are designed with cord piles that are positioned at 90 degrees of angle in the direction of travel to give extra strength to the tyre. The letter R in the code denotes that your tyre is a radial tyre.

• Wheel Diameter 

The last two digits in the code 205/55R16, i.e 16, show the size of the wheel rim where the tyre is fitted, it is also said to be the diameter of the tyre, if measured from bead to bead. Digits 16 depicts that the tyre will be fitted on a diameter of the 16-inch wheel rim.

What Do the Other Tyre Numbers Mean?

Although the only knowledge you need to have about Tyres Shrewsbury is their codes, but you can still familiarize yourself with other markings on the tyre:

Tyre Load Index

It represents the total load that a tyre can carry when it is inflated to its maximum pressure. 

For example: if your tyre has the number 97 on your tyre, following the main tyre code, it relates to index 97 on a look-up table, which is then used to determine the weight in kgs.

Speeding Rate on Tyres

The speeding rate is displayed in the form of a letter and it represents the maximum load a tyre can carry. Speed ratings vary from letter A (which is the lowest) to Y, with H as an exception as is it rated between U and V. Concerning the load index, each speed rating letter is parallel to a value in km/hr. 

It’s important to note that the maximum speed your tyre can carry does not mean that you can or are eligible to ignore the legal speed requirements. 

Pros and Cons of Wide Tyres

A. PROS

• Improved grip

• Shorter braking distances

• Improved cornering stability

• Faster car response times 

B. CONS

• Higher tyre price

• Higher fuel consumption

• More tyre noise 

• Increased vibrations

Pros and Cons of Narrow Tyres

A. PROS

• Lower tyre price

• Increased driving comfort

• Less tyre noise

B. CONS

• Reduced grip

• Longer braking distance

• Poor behaviour on corners