What do tire sizes mean in the trucking industry? We will break down how to read tire sizes and tire size meaning. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have tire sizes explained. The numbers and letters on a tire’s sidewall provide essential information about the tire’s size, load capacity, speed rating, and intended use. You can find this information on both new and old tires.
Tire Size Meaning: What Does It Mean?
Three measurements make up a tire size: width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter.
- Tire width is the tire’s width from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters.
- The tire aspect ratio meaning is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of the width. In other words, it’s the height of the tire from rim to tread divided by the tire’s width from sidewall to sidewall.
- The wheel diameter is the wheel’s width from one side to the other in inches.
Where to Find the Truck Tire Size?
The truck tire size is located on the sidewall of the tire. It is found on the sidewall and should always be legible. The width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter are all represented in the tire size.
Owners’ manuals or information on the inside of the truck door should also have this information if you cannot read the numbers clearly on the tires. It would be wise to write the numbers down somewhere and keep them in a safe place in case the numbers wear off over time. You will need that information when purchasing another tire so you ensure you get the right tire for your truck.
Here are the Points to Knowing How to Read & Determine The Truck Tire Size for Your Vehicle
Tire sizes are usually expressed as a series of numbers and letters. For example, a tire size might be defined as P215/75R15.
- The first letter (P) denotes the type of tire. In this case, “P” means passenger car tire. Other letters you might see are “LT” for light truck, “T” for temporary spare, and “ST” for a special trailer.
- The second and third numbers (215) represent the tire’s width in millimeters.
- The fourth number (75) is the aspect ratio. The height of the tire’s sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the width. In this case, the sidewall is 75% as high as the tire is wide.
- The fifth letter (R) denotes the construction type of the tire. “R” means radial construction. Other construction types you might see are “B” for bias-ply and “D” for diagonal ply.
- The last number (15) is the rim diameter in inches.
Naturally, the tires on an eighteen-wheeler are much larger than car and truck tires. Like the standard vehicles, we will give the tire size explained for the commercial rigs. You will find numbers on those tires like 11R22.5 and 295/75R22.5.
These numbers represent the following:
- The first number (11) is the tire’s width in inches.
- The second number (22.5) is the width’s sidewall height as a percentage. In this case, the sidewall is 22.5% as high as the tire is wide.
- The third number (295) is the tire’s width in millimeters.
- The fourth number (75) is the aspect ratio. The height of the tire’s sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the width. In this case, the sidewall is 75% as high as the tire is wide.
- The fifth letter (R) denotes the construction type of the tire. “R” means radial construction. Other construction types you might see are “B” for bias-ply and “D” for diagonal ply.
- The last number (22.5) is the rim diameter in inches.
As you can see, there are a lot of numbers and letters involved in tire size meaning. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems. Just remember that the numbers and letters on a tire’s sidewall provide essential information about the size, load capacity, speed rating, and intended use of the tire.
How to Check the Tire Size If You Cannot Read the Numbers on the sidewall
The best way to find out the truck tire size is to go to the dealership, and they can look up the information on their computers. They will be able to tell you what size tire you need for your truck. You can also ask them how to read the numbers on the sidewall to ensure you are getting the right size tire.
Ensuring you have the correct size tire for your truck is crucial. The wrong size tire can cause problems with the way your truck handles and drives. It is also essential to ensure that the tires you purchase have the same load capacity and speed rating as those of your truck.
It is always best to consult with a professional to ensure you get the correct tire for your truck when in doubt.
Understanding Tire Sizes and How are Tires Measured?
Trucks are built to haul heavy loads, so it’s essential to have the correct tire size for your truck. Tires are measured in width, height, and diameter. The width is the distance from one sidewall to the other. The height is the distance from the edge of the tread to the top of the tire. The diameter is the distance across the tire from one sidewall to the other.
Tire width is measured in millimeters (mm). The width of a truck tire ranges from 6 inches (152 mm) to 12 inches (305 mm). The most common widths are 8, 9, and 10 inches (203, 229, and 254 mm).
The height of a tire is measured in inches (in). The height of a truck tire ranges from 20 inches (508 mm) to 34 inches (864 mm). The most common heights are 24, 26, and 28 inches (610, 660, and 711 mm).
The diameter of a tire is measured in inches (in). The diameter of a truck tire ranges from 14 inches (356 mm) to 24 inches (610 mm). The most standard diameters are 16, 17, and 18 inches (406, 432, and 457 mm).
