The first thing that comes to your mind when it comes to your car safety will most likely be checking to see if your seatbelts and your brakes are in good order. Just be sure that you remember to check if those tyres are keeping you safely grounded! We have managed to compile a list of tips that will help keep you on track when looking for that perfect tyre or tyre replacement.
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Tip 1: Choose the right Tread Pattern for the right purpose.
Tip 2: Understanding your tyre rating
Your tyre rating are based on a sequence of numbers on the wall of your tyre. For this example, we will be using the numbers P215/60/R16 94T so follow closely.
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Tip 1: Choose the right Tread Pattern for the right purpose.
| Tread Pattern | Advantages | Disadvantages | Used for | ||||||||||||||
| Rib shape: Patterns dominated by multiple circumferential grooves |
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| Lug shape: Patterns with the groove arrangement perpendicular to the circumference of the tyre |
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| Rib-Lug shape: Combination of Rib and Lug |
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| Block-shape: Patterns consisting of independent blocks divided by circumferential and lateral grooves. |
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| Asymmetric: Patterns differ on either side of the tyre. |
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| Directional pattern: Lateral grooves on both sides of the tyre which point in the same direction. |
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Tip 2: Understanding your tyre rating
Your tyre rating are based on a sequence of numbers on the wall of your tyre. For this example, we will be using the numbers P215/60/R16 94T so follow closely.
P215/60/R16 94T - Type
The first alphabet 'P' refers to the type of car. In this case, the tyre is suited for passenger cars.
P215/60/R16 94T - Width
These numbers after the alphabet '215' is the width of the tyre. The wider the tyre the larger the numbers and the larger the contact with the road.
P215/60/R16 94T - Radial Diameter
The first alphabet 'P' refers to the type of car. In this case, the tyre is suited for passenger cars.
P215/60/R16 94T - Width
These numbers after the alphabet '215' is the width of the tyre. The wider the tyre the larger the numbers and the larger the contact with the road.
P215/60/R16 94T - Radial Diameter
The alphabet 'R' refers to the type of construction which stands for 'Radial' and the number following is the diameter of the rim which in this case is '15' inches.
P215/60/R16 94T - Load rating/index
P215/60/R16 94T - Load rating/index
The loading rating or index shows the maximum load capacity of a tyre when driven at maximum speed. In this case, the loading of the tyre in (kg) will be around 669 kg.
P215/60/R16 94T - Speed Rating
The speed rating of the tyre is the last alphabet. In this case 'T' stands for a maximum speed of 190km/h. Attached is a list of speed ratings.
Speed Rating
Tip 3: Maintaining your Tyre
Tyres will face tyre wear due to potholes, speed bumps and even general wear and tear, this will, in turn, lead to tyre alignment issues. Making sure that your all your tyre align up in the same direction is important.
Tyres should be brought to a tyre shop to have them rebalanced if you feel that there are signs of vibration when driving.
P215/60/R16 94T - Speed Rating
The speed rating of the tyre is the last alphabet. In this case 'T' stands for a maximum speed of 190km/h. Attached is a list of speed ratings.
Speed Rating
| Speed symbol | Maximum speed (km/h) | mph |
| N | 140 | 87 |
| P | 150 | 93 |
| Q | 160 | 99 |
| R | 170 | 106 |
| S | 180 | 112 |
| T | 190 | 118 |
| H | 210 | 130 |
| V | 240 | 149 |
| W | 270 | 168 |
| Y | 300 | 186 |
| Speed category | Maximum speed km/h | mph |
| ZR | >240 | >149 |
Tip 3: Maintaining your Tyre
Tyres will face tyre wear due to potholes, speed bumps and even general wear and tear, this will, in turn, lead to tyre alignment issues. Making sure that your all your tyre align up in the same direction is important.
Tyres should be brought to a tyre shop to have them rebalanced if you feel that there are signs of vibration when driving.
Pro Tip: Understand what your alignment is from the chart below.
Tip 4: Look for tread wear indicator
Did you know? Run-Flat Technology in Tyres help you drive during a puncture?
Popular brands like Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Firestone, Pirelli, Yokohama has a range of product that offers Run Flat Tyres (RFT) in their tyres. Some of them are named differently like Self Supporting Run Flat (SSR) or Zero Pressure (ZP) which will allow you to continue to drive during a puncture situation.
However, it is recommended that you get it fixed as soon as possible as running on low tyre pressure can cause damage to the tyre causing tyre failure after 80km or so.
Did you know? Run-Flat Technology in Tyres help you drive during a puncture?
Popular brands like Michelin, Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Firestone, Pirelli, Yokohama has a range of product that offers Run Flat Tyres (RFT) in their tyres. Some of them are named differently like Self Supporting Run Flat (SSR) or Zero Pressure (ZP) which will allow you to continue to drive during a puncture situation.
However, it is recommended that you get it fixed as soon as possible as running on low tyre pressure can cause damage to the tyre causing tyre failure after 80km or so.
