What is the tyre dimension, and how can it be checked?
Tyre dimensions determine the size of a tyre and whether it is compatible with the rims of a car. The dimension specs are typically found on the tyre's sidewall, represented by a series of numbers and letters that indicate the tyre's width, aspect ratio, and diameter.
- Tyre Width: The first number in the tyre dimension sequence represents the tyre's width in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall. For instance, in "205/55 R16", the "205" signifies that the tyre is 205mm wide.
- Aspect Ratio: The number after the slash shows the tyre's aspect ratio, a percentage that measures the height of the tyre's sidewall relative to its width. In the example "205/55 R16", "55" means the height is 55% of the tyre's width. A lower aspect ratio indicates a shorter sidewall, which generally improves handling at the expense of a firmer ride.
- Construction Type: The letter that comes after the aspect ratio indicates the tyre's construction type. In this example, "R" stands for radial construction, which offers better strength, flexibility, and durability. Radial tyres are the most common type used today.
- Wheel Diameter: The final number specifies the diameter of the wheel (in inches) that the tyre is designed to fit. In "205/55 R16", "16" indicates that the tyre is meant for a 16-inch wheel.
These measurements ensure that the right tyre can be selected and that the right balance of performance, safety, and comfort can be achieved.