The writing on your tyre is there for two main reasons; to convey important information such as the size and specifications of the tyre, and secondly, to prove that the tyre has passed necessary safety standards.
Tyre Size
This string of numbers (in the photo 215/50 R18) indicates the size of the tyre. This is important as you will need to ensure that any tyres you fit to your vehicle are the correct size as specified in your vehicle handbook.
These tyre numbers mean:
215 - Tyre Width
This indicates the width of the tyre in millimetres from sidewall to sidewall.
50 - Aspect Ratio
These digits express the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the tyre width. In this example, the tyre height is 50% of its width.
R - Tyre Construction
The letter ‘R’ indicates that the tyre is of radial construction, as most tyres manufactured today are. Other types of construction include ‘B’ (bias belt) and ‘D’ (diagonal).
18 – Wheel Diameter
This figure signifies the size of the wheel rim in inches that the tyre is intended to be fitted to.
We hope you found this helpful, we could go on and on!
For further advice on tyre markings and what they mean, call TyreAware on 087 3522920.
Tyres should be checked regularly for correct air pressure, tread depth and condition.
Look closely at each of these areas;
- Tread: Look for any foreign objects, cuts, localised damage or unusual wear
- Sides: Look for impact damage (from pavements, potholes etc.), cuts, cracks or unusual deformities
- Area around the rim / bead chafer: Look for marks made by scrapes or damage to the rim.
All fissures, cuts and visible deformations in the tyre tread, the sides, or the area where the tyre meets the wheel should be examined by a tyre professional. The same applies for any deterioration of the rim.
Without adequate tread depth your tyres may not be able to perform properly in wet conditions, reducing your safety on the road. It’s essential to check the depth of the main tread grooves in several places across and around the tyre.
You can check your tyre tread depth by running a €1 coin along the centre of the wheel, as illustrated. If the gold part of the coin is not visible, then the tyre tread is ok. However, if it is visible your tyre could be approaching the minimum legal depth and you should get them checked. The minimum permitted tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. Motorists driving on tyres with tread depths below the legal limit risk a fine and penalty points on their licence for each illegal tyre
If you are not confident about checking your tyre tread depths yourself, or if your tread depths are approaching the legal limit of 1.6 mm, call in to us in Ballinderreen for a free tyre safety check.
TyreAware is located behind the filling station on the N67 in Ballinderreen, Co. Galway.
Ideally situated moments away from the M18 motorway, Kilcolgan and Kinvara. Close to the Clare border, and only 27 minutes drive from Galway City.
Our eircode is H91K5W6.
TyreAware is happy to meet the tyre needs of our neighbouring towns and villages, such as: Kinvara, Kilcolgan, Ballyvaughan, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Ennis, Gort, Labane, Ardrahan, Clarinbridge, Oranmore, Craughwell and Claregalway.
Call 087 3522920 if you need further help finding us.
Find us on Google maps: https://g.page/TyreAware?share
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