All information about the tire is contained on the sidewalls. For a person who knows how tires are marked, it will not be difficult to understand whether they are suitable for his car or not.
On our autoportal site, we have already paid quite a lot of attention to tires for cars and trucks, and operation, as well as the issue of choosing tires. In this article, we will try to understand the meaning of all those symbols that the manufacturer puts on tires.
Manufacturer name and model
The first thing we pay attention to is the manufacturer. There are many factories producing tires both in Russia and abroad, and everyone will agree that Nokian, BridgeStone, Kumho or Dunlop are very good. Whereas KAMA, Voltyre, Altayshina (ASHK), Rosava or Belshina are also good, but the quality is not up to Goodyear and Michelin. However, the products of all price segments in demand and domestic manufacturers are trying to improve the quality of their tires.
Each manufacturer specifies the tire model in its own way. For example, at the Nizhnekamsk Tire Plant they use a digital designation - KAMA 205 - and all drivers know that we are talking about all season tires 175 or 165 for 70 landing radius 13. There were also tires produced according to Continental technologies, it is designated KAMA EURO. For example summer tires Kama Euro 129 and so on.
IN Nokian model indicated with additional alphanumeric designations, a vivid example is Nokian Hakkapelliita 7. The sizes of such tires can be different - from 155/80 R13 to 285/30 R22, but the tread pattern is the same. Accordingly, when buying such a tire, you will know what tread it comes with.
If it's about truck tires, then regardless of the manufacturer, the type of protector is indicated by a standard designation. For example, Zilovsky wheels with rhombuses are designated IN-142BM, the goose foot tread type is 0-40BM, although these wheels can be produced at different factories. The same applies to tractor tires: F-35 - "herringbone".
That is, the tire model indicates the type of tread pattern.
Tire size
Tire size is one of the main criteria by which drivers choose shoes for their cars. Size can be specified in several ways:
- metric European marking- familiar to us 185/70 R14;
- inch American - 7.5-20 or 31x10.5 R15;
- in millimeters - 240x508 (GAZ-3307) or 320x508 (MAZ).
That is, if we see the type designation 175/70 R13, we can get:
- 175 - tire width in millimeters;
- 70 - profile to width ratio, 175 times 0.7 we get 122.5 mm - profile height;
- R13 is the size of the rim or bore diameter expressed in inches.
Based on this, tires can be low profile and high profile.
In low-profile tires, the profile-to-width ratio does not exceed 50-55 percent - 195/55, 225/45. These tires usually come with forged or alloy wheels and give the car a sporty, forward looking look.
The inch system simply conveys tire dimensions. For example, 31x10.5 is the full diameter in inches and the width. It is also important to remember that the landing diameter can be indicated either by a simple dash (31x10.5-15) - this says that the rubber has a diagonal design - or instead of a dash there is the letter "R" - a radial design.
Well, and designations like 8.25-20 or 240-508 (in this case this is the wheel size for the GAZ-53 expressed in inches and millimeters) are used for trucks or special equipment. For example, if we take the MTZ-80 tractor, then its front wheels will be marked 11.2-20, and the rear wheels 15.5-38. If there is an “r” instead of a dash, then we are talking about a radial construction.
Speed and load index
Next important parameter, indicating at what high speed can this rubber be used and what Weight Limit survive.
These values are usually indicated immediately after the size and look like: 88T or 90Q and so on. The numbers indicate the maximum wheel load. For passenger cars usually there are values from 70 (335 kg) to 90 (600 kg). There are also large values for vans and trucks, for example 130 (1900 kg).
The letter indicates the maximum speed - from B (50 km / h), to Z (more than 300 km / h). If you do not know what loads a particular wheel is designed for, then tables of these indices are very easy to find on the Internet. But if you have, for example, Chevrolet Aveo, then most likely there are 185/60 r14 82T or 82N.
From here we get:
- 82 - 475 kg per wheel or 950 per axle;
- maximum speed- 190 (T) or 210 (H).
Experts advise picking up tires with a little margin of speed. If the maximum speed is 200 km / h, then tires must be selected with the index H or V (210-240 km / h). The same applies to the load index, but if you buy with a very large margin, then comfort and suspension will suffer - such a wheel will be more rigid.
Please also note that the letter "C" after the frame size indicates reinforced tire for light trucks or freight transport. Example - 185/75 R16C - this tire will go to a Gazelle or some kind of passenger bus.
date of manufacture
We have already written a site on our portal. But since sellers often strive to sell us last year's or even five years ago wheels at the price of new ones, we need to find a mark indicating the production date.
In a small oval, which usually stands next to "Max pressure", we can see 4 digits - the number of the week and year. That is, something like 2514 or 3713. 14 and 13 are the year, 25 and 37 are the serial number of the week (divide by 4 and find out approximately the month).
Season
What conditions are tires intended for? additional designations. Winter tires must have a snowflake, but if there is no snowflake, the tires are not winter.
Designations such as M + S (Mud + Snow) should not confuse you either - although this means “Snow and Mud”, this does not mean that the tires are winter, they are simply designed both for the track and for roads covered with snow porridge and mud . These tires have lugs.
All Season - all season tires.
If we see an umbrella or Rain, Water, AquaContact - rain tires with reduced aquaplaning characteristics.
Other designations
On the tires you can find a lot of other designations:
- for asymmetric protectors, the direction of rotation (Rotation), the outer and inner sides (Outside, Inside), the installation location (Left, Right) are indicated;
- tire type - tubeless, tube type - tubeless, chambered;
- maximum pressure and maximum load - Max Pressure, Max Load;
- wet braking - Traction A, B, C (A is the best coefficient).
Knowing all these designations, you can easily select the type of tire you need.
It is known that on the sidewall of the wheel you can find comprehensive information about its properties. Here are indicators of wear resistance, hydroplaning resistance, various indicators. Some manufacturers pay close attention appearance sidewalls, since it is this part that is visible to others.
In addition to attractiveness, the sidewall has special meaning precisely because of the information content. On the side of the tire indicate the size, model name and manufacturer of the tire. Nearby you can find information about the required pressure, the direction of installation and the seasonality of the rubber. “How to find out the year of manufacture of a tire,” you ask. Here, on the sidewall of the wheel.
How to determine the year of manufacture of tires?
Establishing a tire production time is very simple. This will require only a careful study of the sidewall of the tire. The year of manufacture of rubber is placed next to other indicators (usually the maximum pressure) in an oval contour. There are four numbers here. The value of the first two is the week of the production year. For example, in the figure "1918", 19 is the week of the year in order. That is, the tires were released in the second decade of May. The next two digits are the year of issue. It turns out that rubber production fell in mid-May 2018.
Why is it important to know the year of manufacture of a tire?
In civilized countries, everything has an expiration date, and tires are no exception. The standard shelf life and use of tires is no more than three years from the date of issue. After this time, rubber compound loses elasticity and begins to disintegrate. You may have noticed small cracks on the tread of the old wheel. This indicates that it has fallen into disrepair.
In Russia and most of the CIS countries, rubber products there is no expiration date. However, ignoring the requirements of manufacturers does not negate the consequences of their non-compliance. In three, in best case, four years, tires become unusable and unsafe. Wholesalers can store rubber for up to 6 years. The combination of these circumstances increases the importance of indicating the year of issue.
So that your purchase after six months of operation does not make you regret it, check the rubber release time at the time of purchase. If the sellers start to assure you that it doesn't matter, know that they are trying to deceive you.
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- Tire Wear: Causes and How to Determine Tire Wear Level
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- Korean tires - brands Hankook, Kumho, Nexen and Roadstone
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For many car owners deciphering the markings of car tires is a difficult task since most people are not familiar with the designations found on the side of the tire. Meanwhile, this information will be useful to any car owner, because thanks to it you will be able to buy tires that best meet your needs. For example, when buying summer or winter tires. In the material below, we have collected, structured information, and provided for you tire marking designation in an interactive, easy-to-read format.
Basic markings
There are a large number of elements for marking tires. Let's start with the main ones:
Deciphering the designations on tires
- manufacturer;
- brand or model name of the tire;
- tire size;
- maximum load index;
- speed index;
- appointment;
- level of protection;
- seasonality and operating conditions;
- other information.
Manufacturer. The manufacturer's name is usually written capital letters so that it is clearly visible. This is done mainly for advertising purposes. In addition, many manufacturers have a logo made in the original style, which they try to convey to all their products. There are many manufacturers in the world car tires, so there is no point in dwelling on them.
Trademark or line. Many manufacturers own several brands under which tires for cars are produced. And almost everyone makes rubber in several lines and models. Within one line, you can buy a tire with different sizes and characteristics. This greatly simplifies the choice and expands its possibilities.
Tire size. Perhaps this is the most important marking of car tires. Consider it for specific example- 195/60R14. In this case, 195 mm is the width of the tire profile. It is calculated as the distance between the outer boundaries of the side surfaces of an inflated tire (excluding protective belts, various markings and other additional funds which may occur). The number 60 is the ratio of the profile height to its width, expressed as a percentage. In this case, 195 × 0.6 = 117 mm. The letter R stands for English word Radial, which means radial type of tire (today, the radial type of rubber is the most used, it has replaced the older diagonal type everywhere). The last number (in this case 14) speaks of landing diameter(disk diameter) expressed in inches. If the letter C (short for commercial) is added after the diameter, this means that the tire has an increased ply rating, so it can be used in small trucks, vans or minibuses. In the latter case, the load capacity index of such tires is written in two numbers. The first means the allowable load on a single tire, the second - on a dual tire.
For example, a 185/75 R16C 104/102S tire has increased strength and has a load index of 104 (900 kg) for a single installation, and 102 (850 kg) for a dual installation. At the same time, the maximum allowable speed is 180 km / h (determined by the speed index S, load and speed indices we will touch on later).
On some tires percentage between the width and height of the profile is not indicated. In this case, you need to know that it is in the range of 0.8 ... 0.82. However, in all cases when this value is below 0.8, it must be indicated on the tire in increments of 0.05.
For tires made in the United States, there is an alternative rubber designation system that is slightly different from the standard one. Consider it in the following example - 35 / 12.5 R15 113Q. In this case, the number 35 means tire outside diameter in inches. And 12.5 is the nominal width in inches. The rest of the information is identical to the standard described above. That is, the main difference is the use of inches instead of millimeters.
table of correspondence radial tires cars wheel rim profile.
Correspondence table of tires for light trucks and buses of small capacity to the profile of the wheel rim.
Tire Load Index(Load Index). In this case, we are talking about the maximum permissible mass able to withstand the tire. This value is encrypted in the form of numbers, which by themselves do not show the mass, but only contain a cipher. An approximate value can be calculated if the gross vehicle weight is divided by four. usually write immediately after the size.
| Load index | Load index | Load index | Load index | Load index | |||||
| 62 | 265 | 75 | 387 | 88 | 560 | 101 | 825 | 114 | 1180 |
| 63 | 272 | 76 | 400 | 89 | 580 | 102 | 850 | 115 | 1215 |
| 64 | 280 | 77 | 412 | 90 | 600 | 103 | 875 | 116 | 1250 |
| 65 | 290 | 78 | 425 | 91 | 615 | 104 | 900 | 117 | 1285 |
| 66 | 300 | 79 | 437 | 92 | 630 | 105 | 925 | 118 | 1320 |
| 67 | 307 | 80 | 450 | 93 | 650 | 106 | 950 | 119 | 1360 |
| 68 | 315 | 81 | 462 | 94 | 670 | 107 | 975 | 120 | 1400 |
| 69 | 325 | 82 | 475 | 95 | 690 | 108 | 1000 | 121 | 1450 |
| 70 | 335 | 83 | 487 | 96 | 710 | 109 | 1030 | 122 | 1500 |
| 71 | 345 | 84 | 500 | 97 | 730 | 110 | 1060 | 123 | 1550 |
| 72 | 355 | 85 | 515 | 98 | 750 | 111 | 1090 | 124 | 1600 |
| 73 | 365 | 86 | 530 | 99 | 775 | 112 | 1120 | 125 | 1650 |
| 74 | 375 | 87 | 545 | 100 | 800 | 113 | 1150 | 126 | 1700 |
When studying the information provided, it must be remembered that in this case it speaks only of limit load for the tire as such, that is, without reference to a specific vehicle and operating conditions. In addition, do not forget that the tire should not work in critical conditions, that is. at maximum load. If you have a passenger car, then you should not allow the load to increase to 80% of the given values. And if you are the owner of an SUV - then up to 70%. Excessive load not only brings failure, but is also extremely dangerous due to a possible explosion. And if it happens at high speed, it can be deadly!
When choosing a tire, pay attention to the indices of maximum loads and speed. Always take the value with a margin, but do not overdo it. After all, than heavy load the tire is calculated, the more massive and heavier it will be. And this will directly affect the dynamics of the car and fuel consumption. It is better to stick to the "golden mean".
E1 - E48(usually written in a circle). It means in which country the tire passed the ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) quality requirements and the standard number.
| Correspondence table of codes and countries of standardization | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Country of standardization | Code | Country of standardization |
| E1 | Germany | E21 | Portugal |
| E2 | France | E22 | Russia |
| E3 | Italy | E23 | Greece |
| E4 | Netherlands | E24 | Ireland |
| E5 | Sweden | E25 | Croatia |
| E6 | Belgium | E26 | Slovenia |
| E7 | Hungary | E27 | Slovakia |
| E8 | Czech | E28 | Belarus |
| E9 | Spain | E29 | Estonia |
| E10 | Yugoslavia | E31 | Bosnia/Herzegovina |
| E11 | Great Britain | E34 | Bulgaria |
| E12 | Austria | E36 | Lithuania |
| E13 | Luxembourg | E37 | Türkiye |
| E14 | Switzerland | E39 | Azerbaijan |
| E15 | Not used | E40 | Macedonia |
| E16 | Norway | E43 | Japan |
| E17 | Finland | E45 | Australia |
| E18 | Denmark | E46 | Ukraine |
| E19 | Romania | E47 | South Africa |
| E20 | Poland | E48 | New Zealand |
Designation of the maximum load and maximum pressure
(Max Load, measured in kilograms or pounds). The value is the same as above. The difference lies in the fact that the characteristic is given in absolute terms. When doing this, pay attention to where the tire is made so as not to confuse the values \u200b\u200bof kilograms or pounds (for reference 1 lb = 0.4536 kg).
Index correspondences and maximum speed values
This information is encrypted in the form of letters of the English alphabet. We present for you another tire marking table, where the decoding of the mentioned index is presented. Designated speed allowed at maximum load on the tire. This index is usually specified after the load index.
Maximum allowable pressure(Max Pressure). This is one of the most important information available on the label. car tires. Pressure is reported in kPa or PSI (pounds per square inch, a US non-systemic unit of pressure). Often on tires you can find values \u200b\u200bin one and the other units at the same time. If only one value is indicated on the tire, then remember that 1 kgf / cm2 (technical atmosphere) \u003d 0.98 bar \u003d 14.223 PSI \u003d 98.066 kPa. For more information on what tire pressure should be different cars you can see in .
M+S lettering and winter tire image
M+S tire marking(sometimes M&S). This designation is mainly used European manufacturers tires. The letter M stands for the English word Mud, which translates as "mud". And the letter S - Snow, snow. These designations tell the car owner that the tire can be used in appropriate conditions. The point is that in European countries winters are less severe than in Russia, so there is more mud than snow and ice. And the tires, which are traditionally called “winter” in our country, are more likely to be called arctic by Europeans.
Tire markings by season and surface. You may also come across the following variations of seasonality:
One of the options for designating all-season tires
- AS(All Seasons, Any Season). Rubber is suitable for use at any time of the year.
- AGT(All Grip Traction). All season tire.
- R+W(Road + Winter). Translated means “road” + “winter”. That is, rubber for use in the cold season.
- Frost. This is what winter tires are.
- A.W.(Any Weather). Suitable for use in any weather.
- A/T (All Terrain). The rubber is suitable for use on any terrain.
- M/T(Mud Terrain). The tire can be used on muddy terrain.
It is worth adding that some manufacturers illustrate the weather properties of their tires not with the help of inscriptions, but by applying appropriate drawings. For example, if you meet drawn together snowflake, rain and sun- it means. that the tire is all-weather. An image is used to indicate winter tires snowflakes or mountain peaks(sometimes both figures are combined). In addition, on some models of winter tires, instead of standard wear indicators (having a size of 1.6 mm), winter ones are used (their thickness is 4 mm). Usually a winter tire can be distinguished by touch. Its surface is softer.
Common designation for all-weather tires
Rain tires. Next, we will consider how to decipher the marking of tires intended for use in conditions a large number water. Such tires are designated by the following words - Aquatred, Aquacontact, Rain, Water, Aqua. In some cases, instead of words, an umbrella is drawn on the side of the tire.
tire function. Now consider where the tire can be used. The letters in front of the standard size will tell you about this:
- P(Passenger). Can be used in a car.
- LT(Light Truck). For light trucks or vans.
- ST(Special Trailer). For trailers.
- LRO(Low Platform Trailer). For use on low bed trailers.
- T(Temporary). For temporary use (as a spare wheel).
Week and year of manufacture of the tire, as well as the mark of the DOT standard
Year of issue. Car tire marking allows you to find out information about the month and year of tire production. In particular, this information is encrypted in four small numbers enclosed in an oval on the side surface of the product. The first two digits in this case mean the ordinal number of the week in the year, and the second - the year itself. For example, marking 1015 tells us that the tire was released in 2015, on the 10th week of the year, that is, approximately at the beginning of March.
Temperature, braking and wear indices
Indices. Often, three indices are written on American tires after the size:
- Temperature index(Temperature A, B, C). Shows how resistant the tire is to high temperatures, and whether it loses its properties. In particular, A is considered the best index.
- Deceleration index(Traction A, B, C). The property of a tire to brake and grip the road surface in wet and slippery surface. Similarly, A is considered the best index.
- Expected mileage(Treadwear). It is measured in numbers over 100, since it is this number that is the base value (the number 100 corresponds to 48 thousand kilometers). Accordingly, the larger it is, the better. This parameter is determined in accordance with the existing standard in the United States.
Type of tire wear indicator
Design details. Sometimes, when marking all-season and other tires, the manufacturer writes information from which layers the coating is made. For example, the inscription TREAD PLIES: 2 POLYESTER CORD+2 STEEL CORD+1 NYLON CORD means that the coating consists of two layers of polyester, two layers of metal cord and one layer of nylon cord.
wear indicator. It shows how much the tire has worn out, and accordingly, is it time to replace it. Usually located at the bottom of the groove closest to the inscription TWID(sometimes inscriptions are used TWI, DSI). An arrow points to its location, making it easier to find. You can find more information about tire wear in the corresponding one.
spikes. On tires where spikes are used, manufacturers indicate the following information:
- AD. Aluminum spikes.
- SD. Spikes with carbide core.
- DD. Spikes with a rectangular core and a diamond edge.
- OD. Spikes with an oval core.
- MD. Plastic spikes with carbide core.
colored labels. In some cases, tire manufacturers use color coding for their products. So, for this, white, red and yellow colors, in particular, the corresponding circles or triangles.
Tire color codes
A red dot or triangle is placed in the place that is the hardest on the sidewall of the tire. If you are installing it on an alloy wheel, then this point must be aligned with the L mark on the wheel. A white dot or triangle means the most flexible spot on the sidewall. When installing rubber on an alloy wheel, this place should be diametrically opposed to the L mark. The yellow triangle means the lightest place, which must be combined with the place where the spool is installed on the disk.
Occasionally, you can see colored lines applied to the tread of a new tire. They are factory markings that help warehouse workers keep tires with certain specifications in one place. On the other hand, in the presence of such stripes, the consumer can be sure that the tire has not yet been in use.
Puncture Protection Information. Tire manufacturers use different technologies to protect tires from cuts and punctures. In particular, different manufacturers label them differently. Below is a correspondence table.
Tire designation with reinforced sidewalls
These technologies allow the car to continue moving at partial or full speed from 50 to 150 kilometers, provided that the speed of movement does not exceed 80 km/h. In addition, there is a label indicating the presence or absence of certain additional protections. In particular:
- MFS(Maximum Flange Shield). Maximum protection edges of the disk.
- FR(Flange Protector, similar to RPB (Rim Protection Bar) or MFS (Maximum Flange Sheild)). Tire with rim protection.
- Facebook(Flat Base). The tire does not have a structural element that would protect the disc rim from damage on the curbs.
Car tire color coding. If the manufacturer applies some color advertising or other designations to the side of the tire, then in coded form it looks like this:
- OWL(Outline White Letters). Contour white letters on the sidewall of the tire.
- BSW(Black Side Wall). Black letters on the sidewall of the tire (in the designation trademark tires).
- VSB(Vertical Serrated Band). Vertical jagged stripe.
- RWL. white stripe on the sidewall.
- ORBL(Outlined Raised Black Letters). Black highlighted raised letters on the sidewall.
- RRBL(Recessed Raised Black Letters). Recessed embossed black letters.
- WSW. White side.
- BLK. Black side.
Additional Information. When marking winter and summer tires, manufacturers sometimes write Additional information about the quality and characteristics of their products. So, sometimes you can see the following designations:
- TUBELESS. This inscription means that you have a tubeless tire in front of you.
- TUBE TYPE(or TT, on German tires they write Mit Schlauch). On the contrary, in front of you is a tire that requires the installation of a camera.
"Tyre with increased ply"
- PR. This is how the layering norm is denoted. For car tires, its value is usually 4PR (most often) or 6PR. The inscription Reinforced in this case means “reinforced” (has 6 layers). If the tire has a ply rating of 6PR or 8PR, then it can be used in small trucks, vans or minibuses (commercial, has 8 plies).
- Manufacturer country. In addition to the name of the manufacturer itself, on some tires they also write the country of manufacture.
- Designation of the outer and inner sides . If the tire is asymmetric, then the word OUTSIDE (sometimes Side Facing Out) will be written on its outer side, and INSIDE (sometimes Side Facing Inwards) will be written on the inside.
- Left or Right. In the first case, the tire can only be installed on the left side of the car, in the second - only on the right.
- Direction of rotation. To do this, use the word Rotation and an arrow indicating the direction of rotation of the wheel when moving forward.
Reinforced tire
- XL(Extra Load). This is a reinforced tire.
- Steel. Inside the tire structure there is metal cord. If this inscription is not present, then a textile cord is used. The designation All Steel corresponds to the fact that the metal cord is used in both the carcass and the breaker.
- DOT X0(Department of Transportation, US Department of Transportation, X0 is tire manufacturer's code). This is the American quality standard applied in this case to tires. That is, the rubber corresponds to it.
- Plies: thread. Composition of the tread layer.
- Sidewall. The composition of the sidewall layer.
- DA or Secunda(in the form of a stamp). Such seals are placed on tires obtained during the production process. minor defects which, however, do not interfere with their normal operation.
Green tire label
- Green X, Reduces CO2. This is the designation of rubber, which has low level rolling resistance, which helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (so-called “green tyres”).
- ND(Non Directional). Tire with non-directional pattern protector.
- NHS(Non Highway Service). Rubber for low speeds.
- SAG(Super All Grip). Tires of the increased passableness.
- SUV(Sport Utility Vehicles). Tires designed for crossovers, sport utility vehicles and heavy all-wheel drive vehicles.
- REGROOVABLE. Possibility of deepening the tread pattern by cutting.
- RETREAD. The tire has been used and restored.
- Studless. Cannot be studded.
- Studdable. To be studded.
Winter studded tire marking
- Studded. Studded tire.
- GOST or THAT. Usually, on domestic tires, manufacturers write the GOST number or specifications according to which the product was manufactured.
Helpful information
You should also remember that most of the world's well-known tire manufacturers have their own designations for some of the nuances, operating conditions and technologies used in the manufacture. You can find this information on the official website of the rubber manufacturer.
Try to install tires on your car not only of the same size and design, but also of the same model and manufacturer. After all, despite their external similarity, different rubber has different characteristics which can play a decisive role in critical situations.
Also avoid the following situations when installing different tires on your vehicle:
- front and high-profile rear;
- tires with studs in the front and without them in the back;
- front new tires with a good tread, and behind "bald", or vice versa.
We present for you a table with information about the recommended options for replacing tire sizes.
| Tire replacement table | |
|---|---|
| Tire replacement size | Replacement option (the most appropriate option is indicated at the beginning of the list) |
| 135/80R12 | 155/70R12, 155/65R13 |
| 165/70R13 | 185/65R13, 165/65R14, 175/70R13, 185/60R14, 195/50R15 |
| 175/70R13 | 175/65R14, 185/60R14, 185/65R13, 155/R13, 165/70R14, 165/65R14 |
| 175/70R14 | 185/65R14, 195/60R14, 195/55R15 |
| 185/70R14 | 195/65R14, 205/55R15, 195/60R15 |
| 195/65R15 | 215/60R15, 235/55R15, 205/55R16, 215/55R15 |
| 195/70R15 | 205/65R15, 225/60R15, 205/55R16 |
| 205/70R15 | 215/65R15, 235/60R15, 205/65R15, 225/65R15 |
| 205/70R15 | 205/75R15, 215/65R15 |
The data from the table will help you choose the right size for both the rubber itself and its size that is best suited to your car. After all, you can’t put any tires on a car, they may simply not fit, no matter how much you would like to. Note that all tire sizes that can be fitted to a particular vehicle are listed on a table on the A-pillar or door sill, along with tire pressure data recommended by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
We have tried to provide you with the best full information about how manufacturers encrypt tire performance data. We are sure that from now on you can easily figure out what the markings on car tires mean. If you have come across notations that are not in the above material, we will be glad to see your comments in the discussion.
At least twice a year, the driver has to “change shoes” for his car. Usually tires are used for several years, but after some time, in any case, it will be necessary to purchase new tires. When choosing a tire, drivers pay attention, first of all, to the size, tread pattern and materials, but they do not always think about the date of manufacture of the tire. But in vain, since this parameter is extremely important, and you need to know how to determine the date of manufacture of a tire when buying it.
Table of contents:Please note: Since many drivers do not know how to determine the year of manufacture of a tire, they purchase tires from the last year or even two years ago for the price of a new one. At the same time, a discount should be given for such rubber, and there are several factors for that, which will be discussed below.
Why is it important to know the tire release date when buying?
Usually, immediately after release, the tire is sent from the manufacturer's factory to the seller. If at the factory there are usually no problems with its storage, then in stores, especially if we are not talking about stores specialized in cars, sellers do not create right conditions for storage. As you know, tires in this regard are extremely picky, and they require compliance with a number of storage rules:
- The room must be ventilated;
- The room temperature must be within the acceptable range. Depending on the material from which the tire is made, the range allowable temperature may vary. On average, it is from 0 to +20 degrees;
- The room should have normal humidity, with excess there is a high risk of destruction of rubber components;
- Tires must be protected from direct sunlight the best, otherwise this will lead to the destruction of rubber.
These are just the main ones, but even they are often violated by sellers who store tires in ordinary warehouses with other goods. In addition, it can often be seen that tires are wrapped in unventilated plastic bags during storage, which also negatively affects their condition.
Also, we must not forget the specific rules for storing tires during storage, the observance of which helps to avoid their deformation. If you put tires on top of each other or put them on their side for a long time, they are deformed, which will also negatively affect their performance.
As you can see, storing tires for a car is a difficult process that requires control. Accordingly, the longer tires are stale in the warehouses of the store, the more likely it is that their performance has been reduced as a result of not proper storage. It follows that they will serve the buyer less than tires that have been produced recently.
Service life of summer and winter tires
It is impossible to give a precise indication of the lifespan of a tire. In this matter, one should take a guide to the research of large brands that are engaged in the production of rubber for a car. MICHELIN indicates that, on average, at correct operation and properly stored, the service life of summer tires is 8-10 years, and winter tires 4-5 years.
These data are given for European users of the products of this brand. If we take into account the quality Russian roads, the presence of various additives on the roadway in winter and other factors, we can conclude that in Russia the service life of tires for a car is somewhat less.
At the same time, if you buy tires that were not properly stored in the retailer's warehouse, this further reduces their service life. Thus, the driver buys already actually “worn” tires, on which microcracks may appear after a couple of years of operation, largely due to improper storage in the warehouse.
How to find out the production date of a tire
It is the responsibility of tire manufacturers to stamp their release date. This is regulated by the Department of Transportation, which certifies goods, including car tires. According to their requirements, on car tires, the designation of the release date must be applied to side surface to a separate area from other information. Most often, tire manufacturers put the release date in an oval area on the side of the tire.
Not many car owners know important information about the date of manufacture of their wheels, but in vain. This is information from the category - MUST KNOW! Indeed, in our world, nothing is eternal and the new very quickly becomes old. As you understand, tires also have a warranty period (even if they have not been driven on it), and the older the wheel, the cheaper it is (this is a kind of axiom). Today I want to talk to you about this. interesting question. Believe me, if you know how to determine the date (year, month, week) of rubber release, you can save a lot of money. As usual text version + helpful video...
It's very simple - the older the rubber, the cheaper it SHOULD cost. Let's say last year's tires should lose about 5-10% in price than this year's products. In Europe and the US, this is how it is. Tires that didn't sell last year, let alone two or three years ago, are sold at a significant discount. Kind of a discount!
However, in our country, not everything is so simple. Ask yourself the question - "how many of us know how to determine the age of rubber?" Maybe it has been lying in the warehouses of Russia, Europe or the USA for several years, standing on the shelves under the rays of the sun, without proper conditions. Our unscrupulous sellers take advantage of the "darkness" of our customers and sell them last year's or even two or three year old tires at the price of new ones. It also happens that rubber, which has lain in warehouses for 4-5 years, was purchased in the USA or Europe for "mere pennies", and here they are given out as new, just produced rubber and sold "for rubles"! Business is nothing personal.
New tire warranty
It should be noted that now rubber is mainly made from rubber resins, with the addition of various - natural or synthetic materials. Which are not eternal. Even under the influence of sunlight (ultraviolet), it can gradually break down.
Even if you do not use the tires, the manufacturer gives them a guarantee of about 3 - 5 years! THAT is, new tires are in stock (they are not in use), but guarantee period its use is declining. It just spoils - no matter how trite it may sound.
Thus, sellers should give discounts on such stale goods, and significant ones! You cannot sell a 2-3 year old wheel and a new one at the same price.
What's wrong with last year's tire?
Everything is simple. If it was not sold, then it must be placed in specialized warehouse, as expected (read the article -), in dry, ventilated areas. To avoid deformation or . Mandatory requirements:
- Ventilated rooms
- Humidity, it should not be excessive so that the tires are not covered with moisture. Otherwise, the metal power frame (which is inside) will begin to rust and collapse.
- Based on the second point, it is also worth remembering that it is IMPOSSIBLE to “wrap” in unventilated bags! Inside there will be a greenhouse effect, again, moisture and temperature - WILL rot and collapse!
- Preferably near zero in winter, maximum "-5, -10" in winter, if you store "summer tires". It does not tolerate extremely negative temperatures. If you store "winter", it is desirable that the temperature does not rise above "+20" degrees, it does not tolerate too much high performance(e.g. +40, +50 and above)
- There should be no access to the sun, ultraviolet is destructive to tires (even if you do not use them)
Ideally, all this should be observed. BUT, as a rule, sellers do not create such conditions. When properly stored, they take up a lot of space, warehouses must be specialized and large, and they need to be stored for years! And for sellers, especially private traders, every meter counts and therefore the wheels pile on top of each other (sometimes just in heaps). And this is no longer good. The wheel can be deformed if there is a large load on top or simply crack due to temperature changes.
YES, and the manufacturers themselves say that summer tire has a service life of about 8-10 years, winter 4-5 - not to be confused with a guarantee (this is MICHELIN data), and every year it worsens its properties by about 5-10%. And at the age of 4-5, “microcracks” of aging can generally appear. Of course, much depends on proper storage. Thus, the older the wheel, the less fully you can exploit it!
If you lay it out on your fingers, it turns out like with milk, there is today's - obviously fresh, but there is a three-day one - it may be possible to drink (ride), but it's not a fact that it hasn't turned sour.
How to determine the production date yourself?
Now the fun part
According to DOT (Department Of Transportation) - an organization that certifies products. Date of manufacture of rubber, applied to the side surface, in a clearly marked part. Usually it is an oval. Since the early 2000s, the designation of the year has 4 digits. The first two digits are the week of the year, and the second two are the year itself.
As you can see in the picture, the tires were made at 23 weeks, 12g. To be precise, this is May - June 2012. This designation is mandatory for all manufacturers that produce DOT-certified tires.
These are made for 23 weeks, 2017
Until the 2000s, the designation on rubber was slightly different, there were only three numbers. The first two digits denoted the week number, and the last digit denoted the year.
Happens especially on YOUKOHAMA products. Three letters “YYY” are applied in front, that is, YYY4814, we do not take the letter designation into account, we need exactly the numbers, in this moment It's 48 weeks 14.
Buy tires correctly and if last year's tires, then ask for a discount. I heard that there were cases when a buyer contacted Rospotrebnadzor and exchanged last year's tires for new ones.
No date on rubber
This sometimes happens, many people confuse the date (as I wrote above these are numbers) with the letter designation, often it's just information about where the tire was made.
For example - « NWAD JAAR » , they can also be in ovals, but this is the manufacturer's designation. In this case, it is THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. (S.A.) (PTY) LTD. City: UITENHAGE Country: SOUTH AFRICA
However, next to this abbreviation, there may be an empty oval. Here it should have been a week and a year of production. BUT why aren't there?
Often everything is trite and simple - they are applied not by printing in the wheel cord, but by ordinary paints, they are simply erased. Either they are not applied with a strong seal, over time this designation may also go away. The OU or production dates may appear elsewhere, although this is contrary to the DOT.
But there is also counterfeit! It is difficult to fake tires, not many do it, but sometimes it occurs (especially from a neighboring country). And I would not buy wheels for myself, without specifying the production time. YES, and even if they are painted, who prevents them from being erased and writing new ones. Therefore, serious manufacturers apply a stamp that lasts the entire service life.
Especially for those who perceive the video better, I shot a short video.
I think my article will be useful to you, in conclusion I want to say that a fresh tire is a guarantee of the safety of you and your loved ones. After all, if it falls apart or bursts at speed, it will not seem to anyone. And so look at the production date - THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT! Especially in the car markets, last year's (sometimes 2-3 year old) tires are very often sold there at the price of new ones!
Sincerely your AUTO BLOGGER, read our website, subscribe to updates on social networks.
