In addition to the tire brand and model, the sidewall always indicates the critical information regarding size and capacities.
Here is the explanation for the different details of a tire identified as 185/70 R 14 88H:
185: Corresponds to the width of the tire’s section in millimetres; the higher this value, the wider the tire.
70: Determines the ratio between the sidewall’s height and the section’s width; in this example, the sidewall’s height equals 70% of the section’s width. The lower this value, the lower the tire’s profile.
R: Refers to the construction type: R = radial.
14: Tire’s inside diameter expressed in inches; it obviously should match the rim’s size onto which the tire will be mounted.
88: Load rating the tire can support at maximum inflation; in this instance, 560 kg (cf. chart).
H: Indicates the speed rating for which the tire has been designed; this tire can therefore be driven at a maximum speed of 210 km/h (cf. chart).
Load and Speed Ratings
|
Load Rating
|
Load
|
Speed Rating
|
Maximum Speed
|
|
Some Examples
|
P
|
150 km/h
|
|
74
|
375 kg
|
Q
|
160 km/h
|
|
76
|
400 kg
|
R
|
170 km/h
|
|
80
|
450 kg
|
S
|
180 km/h
|
|
84
|
500 kg
|
T
|
190 km/h
|
|
88
|
560 kg
|
U
|
200 km/h
|
|
92
|
630 kg
|
H
|
210 km/h
|
|
96
|
710 kg
|
V*
|
Plus de 210 km/h
|
|
100
|
800 kg
|
W
|
270 km/h
|
|
104
|
900 kg
|
Y
|
300 km/h
|
|
108
|
1000 kg
|
Z*
|
Plus de 240 km/h
|
|
112
|
1120 kg
|
|
- DOT code followed by a series of digits. This code actually
is a serial number. It represents the tire’s fingerprint and means that the tire
meets the DOT (US Department of Transport) safety standards.
- Treadwear inscription—varying from 40 to 600—refers to a
wear rating of the rubber used and is not mandatory in Canada. This
specification is often followed by ‘Traction’ and ‘Temperature’, again with
ratings expressed in letters.
- Maximum pressure under which the tire may be used. Not to
be mistaken with the pressure recommended by the manufacturer of your car, which
is specified on the driver’s door pillar.
For further explanation, please refer to your
UNIPNEU Dealer.
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