The graphic above shows what each letter and number on the sidewall of a tire indicates. The following is a breakdown of the components of the size of the tire. P Passenger car tire. If there is no P...
Plus sizing is one of the easiest ways to achieve enhanced performance and improve the appearance of your vehicle. In the example above, a 15x7 wheel with a 205/65R-15 tire is considered the O.E. (original...
Q. What Are the Different Methods of Making Wheels? A. In today's marketplace, two wheel materials are most common, steel and aluminum. Steel wheels are made in two pieces; the inner piece (called the...
Rim Width The width between the flanges of the wheel (the part the bead of the tire touches). Section Width The linear distance between the outside of the sidewalls of an inflated tire without any load on it...
Replace Old Tires Even if there is Tread Remaining Vehicle Manufacturers Recommend Replacement at 6 Years Tire Manufacturers' Warranties Expire at 6 Years Tire Manufacturers Recommend Replacement at 10...
The offset of a wheel is what locates the tire and wheel assembly in relation to the suspension. More specifically, it is the measured distance between the hub mounting surface and the center line of the...
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System The US Government has established the UTQGS, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System, to assist consumers in their purchase of tires. Basically it's another tool to be...
A tire receives its speed rating by the U.S. Government through meeting minimum standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. What does that mean to you? Well, in general, a higher speed rating...
Air Pressure Low air pressure, whether due to poor maintenance or a tire puncture, causes more tire failures than all other factors combined. The symptoms are easily spotted—low or bulging sidewall...
The Margin of Safety Winter Tires are designed to deliver safety and control in snow, ice, and cold weather conditions. Many people think that all-season tires can deliver this same performance, but this is...