How To Read a Tire Sidewall?
In addition to the tire brand and model, the sidewall always indicates the critical information regarding size and capacities.
Knowing your tire size and dimensions is essential when it comes to getting the best wheels for your vehicle and ensuring you’re equipped to face the harsh winters of Quebec.
What Are Tire Dimensions?
Here is the explanation for the different details of a tire identified as 185/70 R 14 88H:
- 185: Corresponds to the width of the tire’s section in millimetres; the higher this value, the wider the tire.
- 70: Determines the ratio between the sidewall’s height and the section’s width; in this example, the sidewall’s height equals 70% of the section’s width. The lower this value, the lower the tire’s profile.
- R: Refers to the construction type: R = radial.
- 14: Tire’s inside diameter expressed in inches; it obviously should match the rim’s size onto which the tire will be mounted.
- 88: Load rating the tire can support at maximum inflation; in this instance, 560 kg (cf. chart).
- H: Indicates the speed rating for which the tire has been designed; this tire can therefore be driven at a maximum speed of 210 km/h (cf. chart).
Choosing The Right Tire
Now that you understand how tire size works, you’re equipped to choose the best tire dimensions for your vehicle!
Point S can help you find the right tires to match your car’s dimensions (tire width, ratio, and diameter). You can also check out our tire selection tool by size:
You may also like
Winter Tires: A Closer Look at Innovations
- Tires
- Winter tires
Long gone are the days of the horse-drawn carriage! The research and development teams of tire manufacturers just keep on coming up each year with more innovations. From intelligent studs to tires with a reduced ecological footprint, advances in...
What is my Vehicle's Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure?
- Safety
- Summer tires
- Tires
- Winter tires
Of all the car maintenance checks there is little doubt that the easiest to perform and surely the least expensive involves the verification of tire inflation pressure. The air pressure in the tires support 95% of the car, so maintaining this...
What Are The Best Summer Tires For 2021?
- Best summer tires
- Summer tires
- Tires
- Top 5
Spring has arrived and it’s time to swap your winter tires for summer or all-season tires. Some people don’t think it’s necessary, but driving on winter tires in summer does pose some safety risks, which is why we recommend buying...
7-Days Exemption Clause to Install Your Winter Tires
- Tires
- Winter
- Winter tires
Will you be changing vehicules between December 1st and March 15? Did you know that you can enjoy a 7-day extension allowing you to PURCHASE and INSTALL your winter tires at the location of your choice? This extension is granted when: you...
Uneven Tire Wear
- Safety
- Summer tires
- Tires
- Winter tires
Knowing the wear of your tires is critical to your safety on the road All tires have wear indicators that become visible when the tread has been reduced to 1.6 mm or 2/3 po thickness. The tire must then be replaced. A little trick to check...
The Risks of Driving Your Winter Tires in Summer
- Safety
- Summer tires
- Tires
- Winter tires
What happens when you drive on winter tires in summer? Winter tires are designed work best in the cold and are less effective at dissipating heat, so the risks of overinflating and blowouts are much higher. The rubber compound is much more...
