The most important characteristics of tires

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On the side of the tire, numbers and letters are pressed in, which serve as an encrypted business card for specialists. Most drivers are only interested in tire size. For example, 175/70 R14 means: the tire has a cross-sectional width of 175 mm. The second digit defines the ratio of the height to the width of the tire. In the example, it is equal to 70%. The smaller this ratio, the wider and flatter the tire becomes. The letter R means radial design, and the number behind the combination (14) documents the rim diameter in inches.



Multi-layer internal construction of a passenger car tire: 1 - tread: profile and mixture affect the properties of the tire; 2 - base: reduces rolling resistance; 3 - wound nylon bandage: suitability for high speeds; 4 - breaker made of layers of steel cord: increases the stability of movement; 5 - carcass: form support and tire strength; 6 - inner lining: the inner airtight layer replaces the chamber; 7 - side part: protects the frame from damage; 8 - profile of the core: maintains the accuracy of control and movement; 9 - core: provides a strong fit on the rim; 10 - bead reinforcement: for precise steering and high driving stability.





Synonymous with maximum speed - a capital letter after the last digit



The capital letter after the last number on the side of the tire indicates the maximum speed allowed for this tire. The 175/70 R14 tire with the letter designation S is designed for a maximum speed of up to 180 km/h, with the letter T - up to 190 km/h. A tire designed for a maximum speed of 210 km/h is marked with the letter H. Conventional M+S tires with the letter Q are approved for speeds up to 160 km/h.

The DOT number indicates the age of the tire



The number indicates the actual date of manufacture of the tire «DOT» on the side of the tire: since 1990 this number has not been followed by a triangle. If, for example, the number «DOT» 1500, the tire was manufactured in week 15, 2000. New tires with a production date from October 01, 1998 must have an ECE test number on the sidewall. This verification number ensures that the tire is a type-tested structural element that complies with the Economic Commission for Europe quality standard (ECE-R 30). If your vehicle is to be fitted with tires with a DOT number greater than 408 but without an ECE test number, then you are driving without a General Driving Permit.



The trial verification number is recognized by the capital letter E and the number of the country of origin, for example: 1 - Germany, 4 - the Netherlands.







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