tyre sizing explained
the writing's on the wall
WIDTH
This is the section width of the tyre (front view).
PROFILE
This represents the tyre sidewall height as a percentage of the section width (e.g. 45%).
DIAMETER
This is the tyre’s inner rim diameter (in inches).
LOAD
This is the load rating to indicate the load capacity of the tyre.
WHEEL ROTATION
WHEEL ROTATION HELPS THE COST GO AROUND
Have your wheels rotated every 10,000km. The four tyres on your car each wear differently. The front has different wear factors to the back, the drive tyres different to non-drive tyres, the left down-camber different to the right up-camber tyres.
That’s why TyreLAND recommend that we rotate your wheels (swapped around) every 10,000km. It will reduce the premature wearing-out of your tyres.
The pattern of rotation varies for front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles so call your TyreLAND experts for help. We offer this service free to all VIP customers.
We will also check and correct the tyre pressures at the same time.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
KEEP ALL FOUR WHEELS ON THE STRAIGHT
Ensure that all the wheels are correctly aligned. Correct alignment of the wheels means that the wheels are facing true and are square to the road surface.
Incorrect alignment will result in uneven and rapid wearing of your tyre tread. It may also result in the car pulling to one side and vibration, and prolonged incorrect alignment may even damage your steering and suspension mechanisms. And it will reduce your driving efficiency by increasing your fuel consumption and cost.
Have your alignment checked when you buy a new set of tyres and then every six months or every 10,000km. It is inexpensive and will save you money long-term.
A symptom of incorrect alignment is the car pulling to one side. This may follow a wheel impact, e.g. a scrape with the gutter when parking. If you notice the car pulling, have your alignment checked.
All TyreLAND branches offer a complete wheel alignment service. Most have John Bean Visualiner V3D1 Imaging Technology for state-of- the-art wheel alignment. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
TREAD DEPTH
KEEPING A GRIP ON THE SITUATION
Bald tyres are dangerous and illegal. Good tyre tread is necessary to maintain road grip, especially in wet weather. Legally, tyre treads must be at least 1.5mm deep across three-quarters of the tread pattern, around the entire circumference of the tyre.
In the interests of maximum safety, TyreLAND recommend that you change your tyres when the depth gets to 2mm.
Standards require tyres to have tread-wear indicators in the centre groove of the tread pattern to show when the tread depth is less than 1.6mm. In most cases, if the tread on the tyre is level with these indicators, the tyre should be replaced.
Tread wear isn’t the only factor that reduces grip in older tyres. As most tyres age, the rubber hardens, further reducing wet-weather performance.
INFLATION
PSSSST... KEEP THE PRESSURE ON
Check that all the tyres have the correct pressure. A tyre can lose up to 50% of its pressure and not appear to be flat so use a certified pressure gauge at your local TyreLAND or fuel stop.
Having your tyres inflated properly could save your life and will certainly save you money. Correct tyre pressure is vital for balanced braking, maximum grip and long tyre life.
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption and affect the safe handling of the vehicle, while over-inflation can mean an uncomfortable ride and reduced grip.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation will cause your tyres to wear out prematurely. Under-inflation causes premature wear on the edges, while over-inflation can cause the centre to wear out. See tread.
The inflation of all tyres – including the spare – should be checked every two weeks, while the tyres are cold. Even a short trip to the garage will warm up tyres and raise the pressure. Note that spacesaver spare tyres must be inflated to a much higher pressure than normal tyres.
Tyres are legally required to be maintained at the appropriate inflation pressure recommended for the tyre by the vehicle manufacturer. All modern vehicles have a tyre information placard in a conspicuous place, showing the correct inflation levels for normal driving, as well as for higher speeds and maximum loads (if more inflation is needed).