How to Choose the Right Tire for Your Car?
Seemingly simple, choosing a tire for a vehicle can be overwhelming. When to change Diameter, width, speed limit, what are the characteristics of each model? How to compare them?
Tire Dimensions:
185 / 65R15, 225 / 40R18, 205 / 55R16, these combinations are gibberish for most motorists. This is wrong since these numbers are not random codes and give the exact proportions of your tires. Practical information when you need to replace them, to read on the side.
The first number corresponds to the width of your tires (in millimeters), the second indicates the height of the tire outside the rim (in% of the width) and the number following the "R" is the best known because that of the rim diameter (in inches). For example, a vehicle fitted with 185 / 65R15 has tires 185 mm wide, a height of 65% of the width of 133 mm, and rims with a diameter of 16 inches (40.6 cm).
Following this information, each tire has a two-digit code (load index) followed by one or two letters (speed index). The number is the maximum weight that the tire can support (ex: 65 means 300 kg, 91 is 615 kg), while the latter determines the maximum supported speed: A1 to A8 (5 to 40 km / h), B to U (50 to 200 km / h), H (210 km / h), V (240 km / h), ZR, W and Y above 240.
Which Tires to Install?
Several types of tires exist. Most summer tires are suitable for our temperate climate, but it is preferable to opt for "all seasons" in regions where temperatures are usually cool and sometimes freezing. In the event of regular cold (7 ° C and less) or in the mountains, switch without hesitation to winter or snow tires depending on the conditions.
When it comes to dimensions, height plays a huge role in comfort. Aesthetically appealing, the “low-cut” tires associated with luxury or sporty models will be penalized on this point. Avoid them if you are a heavy rider and prefer narrow tires if you want to reduce your fuel consumption. Finally, many models are able to run flat in the event of a puncture but are around 20% more expensive.
When and How to Change?
Tires should be changed when they are torn, deformed, or worn. To find out if they are worn, find the wear indicators, small markers located in the grooves. If they are worn or on the surface of the tire, it means that your tread is less than 1.6 mm deep, the legal minimum below which they will be considered smooth.
Little-known advice: if you have 4 tires of the same age, it is advisable to rotate your tires - front right/rear right, ditto on the left - so that they wear evenly, and this every year (or 10 000 km for heavy riders). However, if you only have two tires to change, but the new ones in the back for more efficient braking and better cornering behavior.
Finding your ideal tire starts with the right dimensions, whether it is for your car or your type of driving. Then think about the weather conditions you encounter in order to choose between summer or winter and to compare the different models when buying. And be sure to change your tires before they are too worn out, otherwise you will be punctured or fined.
