How to read a tyre sidewall Tyre code, commonly molded onto the sidewall of the tyre, is described by an alphanumerical value. This code specifies the dimensions of the tyre, and some of its key limitations, such as load bearing ability, and maximum speed.
Speed Capability The speed capability of the replacement tyres must always equal or exceed the original equipment tyres. When replacing tyres, refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for correct size. When the tyre size contains a speed symbol, for example P205/60HR15 or P205/60R15 90H, the replacement tyre must have the same or higher speed rating symbol if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained. If the replacement tyre is not speed rated, the speed capability of the vehicle is limited by the speed capability of the replacement tyre. Speed CategoryS 180 km/h (112 mph)T 190 km/h (118 mph)U 200 km/h (124 mph)H 210 km/h (130 mph)V 240 km/h (149 mph)W 270 km/h (168 mph)Y 300 km/h (186 mph)How to take care of your tyres Consumers have the primary responsibility for the regular care and maintenance of their tyres. Tyres should be inspected at least once per month. The regular inspection should focus on proper inflation pressure; tread wear and tyre/wheel damage as detailed below. Having tread depth above the legal limit does not determine the service life of a tyre. Tyres must be properly maintained and routinely inspected for continued safe and proper use — even when tread depth remains. Tyres may need to be taken out of service even when tread depth above the legal limit remains. Regular inspection becomes particularly important the longer a tyre remains in use. This monthly inspection should be supplemented by periodic rotation, balancing and alignment services. Inspection should occur whether or not the vehicle is equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system.Tyre rotation It is important to check your tyres and wheels for signs of possible damage, and check your vehicle for any mechanical problems and correct if necessary. If you notice irregular or uneven tread wear, the tyres should be rotated to alleviate the problem. You should follow the rotation pattern or procedure indicated in your limited warranty and the vehicle owner’s manual. We recommend you rotate tyres on front wheel drive vehicles and/or all season tyres on any vehicle every 12,000 km to equalize the rate of wear; however, rotate your tyres earlier if signs of irregular or uneven tyre wear arise, and have the vehicle checked by a qualified technician to determine the cause of the wear condition. The first rotation is the most important. Besides monthly inspection of their tyres’ visual condition, consumers must also be aware of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration. These conditions could be caused by internal damage to the tyre and may require that the tyre be removed from service immediately to prevent a tyre disablement. Consumers are recommended to consult a tyre service professional if any dynamic performance issues are noted.Driving habits You may not realize it, but the way you drive can have a lot to do with how long your tyres will last and how well they perform. As you head down the road, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Avoid hard cornering, rapid accelerations and abrupt braking as they put a lot of stress on your tyres. Smooth, safe driving is not only better for your tyres, but more importantly for you as a driver too. Watch out for overloading. Driving on an overloaded tyre is hazardous. When your car is carrying too much weight, it can create excessive heat inside your tyres—and that can cause sudden tyre failure. Never exceed the maximum load rating of your tyres, which you can find on the sidewall of the tyre, or in the owner’s vehicle manual. When you replace a tyre, make sure the new one has a load-carrying capacity equal to or greater than the tyres that originally came with your vehicle.Source: http://www.tyrepac.com
