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TECH
Thera are a number of different systems in use today that describe the various tire sizes used on performance, passenger and light truck vehicles. An attempt is currently underway to develop a worldwide system, but presently you must be familiar with several different systems.
PASSENGER CAR TIRE SIZING SYSTEM ![]() NUMERIC SIZING SYSTEM. The first system developed for tire sizing was used until the late 1960s, but provided only the cross section width of the tire and the rim diameter in inches. If the section width ended in zero (e.g., 7.00-14 or 7.50-14), the tire has a common aspect ratio of about 92. For section widths not ending in zero (e.g., 8.25-15), the tire was considered "low profile" with an aspect ratio of about 82. ![]() ALPHA-NUMERIC SIZING SYSTEM. A - Load Rating B - Radial Construction C - Aspect Ratio D - Rim Diameter In 1968, a new concept was introduced worldwide. The Alpha-Numeric Sizing System is a load-based system where tires are designed by their load-carrying capacity and aspect ratio. The first letter is the load and size relationship, with letter, the smaller the size and, of course, the lower the load-carrying capacity of the tire. ![]() P-METRIC SIZING SYSTEM. A - PASSENGER CAR DESIGNATION B - SECTION WIDTH (mm) C - ASPECT RATIO D - RADIAL CONSTRUCTION E - RIM DIAMETER To accomodate the smaller tires used on compact cars, the P-Metric (Passenger Metric) System was created in 1976. The maximum inflation pressures of P-Metric tires were raised for lower rolling resistance. The P-Metric System is widely used by domestic tire manufacturer ![]() METRIC SIZING SYSTEM. A - SECTION WIDTH (mm) B - ASPECT RATIO C - RADIAL CONSTRUCTION D - RIM DIAMETER Because Europe primarily uses the metric system of measurement, the Metric Sizing System was developed. It is essentially a conversion of the Numeric Sizing System. Section widths are notated in milimeters instead of inches. Originally, tires not identified with an aspect ratio were assumed to be 82-series. When 60- and 70-series tires appeared, the aspect ratio was added to the nomenclature, similar to the P-Metric System. ![]() ISO METRIC SIZING SYSTEM. A - Section Width (mm) B - Aspect Ratio C - Radial Construction D - Rim Diameter E - Load Index F - Speed Rating The International Standard Organization (ISO) Metric System combines the Metric System with a service description provides the load index along with the speed-rating symbol. ![]() MILIMETRIC SIZING SYSTEM A - Section Width B - Aspect Ratio C - Radial Construction D - Rim Diameter (mm) The Milimetric Sizing System is similar to the Metric Sizing System except that the rim diameter is also represented in milimeters. These rim diameters are unique in size and can only be used in combination with each other. LIGHT TRUCK TIRE SIZING SYSTEMS ![]() LIGHT TRUCK NUMERIC SYSTEM A - Section Width B - Radial Construction C - Rim Diameter D - Light Truck Designation Similar to the Numeric Sizing System for cars, it lists the section width in inches, construction type, rim diameter in inches, plus the light truck designation ![]() LIGHT TRUCK METRIC SYSTEM A - Light Truck Metric System B - Section Width (mm) C - Aspect Ratio D - Radial Construction E - Rim Diameter Similar to the P-Metric System, except the P is replaced with the LT (Light Truck) designation. Also, LT-Metric and P-Metric tires differ in construction. ![]() LIGHT TRUCK HIGH FLOTATION SYSTEM A - Tire Diameter (in.) B - Section Width C - Radial Construction D - Rim Diameter E - Light Truck Designation Tha same as the Light Truck Numeric System with tire diameter added to the front.
There are many factors to consider when buying tires online. Besides trying to get the best price, you’ll also need to consider wheel, rim and tire fit for any car, but this is especially important for a modified vehicle. Custom wheels and tires are especially important for a vehicle modified with a body kit, modified for lowering (the airbags are of particular concern in this case), or if the vehicle has undergone a brake upgrade. These need to be kept in mind when considering a wheel and tire package. Why would you go to all that effort and put cheap tires on your car when you’ve spent so much time and effort on a customized modification? If you want all-season versatility that includes light snow traction and are willing to trade on some dry and wet traction, All Season tires are recommended. These ultra low profile tires are designed to provide year round traction even in light snow through tread designs and compounds that remain flexible in cold weather to help blend all-season traction with very good handling and high speed capabilities for both car tires, truck tires and SUV tires. The factors we must consider are: the weather, the terrain that you will drive on, TPMS – Tire Pressure Monitoring System and the offset. For further inquiries, please contact our technicianswith any questions about car tires, truck tires, SUV tires and accompanying rims at 1-877-8473 toll free.
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