FAQ
HOW TO READ YOUR TYRE SIDEWALL MARKINGS
205/55R 16 91V
205: This indicates tyre width measured from sidewall to sidewall in mm. For example, 205 indicates a tyre width of 205mm.
55: This indicates aspect ratio i.e. the height of sidewall expressed as a percentage of its width. For example, an aspect ratio of 55 indicates that the height of sidewall is 55% of its width.
R: This indicates internal construction of tyre. For example, R indicates a radial tyre construction.
16: This indicates wheel diameter in inches. For example, 16 indicates a wheel diameter of 16 inches.
91: This indicates load index i.e. a number code corresponding to max tyre load in kg. Load index table contains a list of load index and their corresponding max tyre load. For example, a load index of 91 corresponds to max tyre load of 615kg.
V: This indicates speed rating i.e. an alphabet code corresponding to max tyre speed in km/h rated under conditions specified by tyre manufacturer. Speed rating table contains a list of speed rating and their corresponding max tyre speed. For example, a speed rating of V corresponds to max tyre speed of 240km/h.
TYRE PRESSURE
WHAT? Tyre pressure is the amount of air pressure in the tyre. The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle is typically printed on the vehicle door placard or in the vehicle owner's manual. Do not use the tyre pressure displayed on tyre sidewall as this represents maximum allowable pressure for that specific tyre.
WHY? Proper tyre inflation pressure ensures safe driving and improves tyre life and fuel consumption by reducing uneven or premature wear.
WHEN? Tyre manufacturers usually recommend to check tyre pressure (including spare tyre) at least monthly, before long trips or travelling with heavy loads.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
WHAT? Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the vehicle's suspension and steering parts to align the tyre and wheel assemblies.
WHY? Proper wheel alignment ensures even tyre tread wear for safe and precise vehicle handling. Proper alignment also improves tyre life and fuel consumption.
WHEN? Tyre manufacturers usually recommend to check wheel alignment at least annually or every 20,000km, or:
· when uneven or abnormal tread wear occurs
· vehicle handling becomes unstable
· hard road impact occurs
· new tyres are installed
TYRE BALANCING
WHAT?Tyre balancing is the process of compensating for the weight of tyre and wheel after assembly using balance correction weights.
WHY?Proper tyre balancing ensures safe driving and improves tyre life by reducing premature wear. Proper balancing also prevents unnecessary wear to vehicle suspension.
WHEN?Tyre manufacturers usually recommend to check tyre balance:
·when one area is heavier or lighter than the rest
·vibrations, bouncing or wobbling occurs
·before new tyres are installed
TYRE ROTATION
WHAT?Tyre rotation is the process of removing each vehicle tyre and moving them to a different position.
WHY?Proper tyre rotation ensures that all tyres wear evenly and improves tyre life and performance.
WHEN?Tyre manufacturers usually recommend to perform tyre rotation at least every six months or every 10,000km for regular vehicles and every 6,000km for 4WD vehicles
TYRE REPLACEMENT
WHAT?Tyre replacement is the process of replacing worn or damaged tyres with new tyres.
WHY?Timely tyre replacement ensures safe driving by improving your tyre's grip on the driving surface.
WHEN?Tyre manufacturers usually recommend to replace tyre when:
·tyre tread is worn down to where you can see the tread-wear indicators (solid rubber bar across the tread width) at the base of the main tyre grooves
·tyre damage is beyond repair e.g. puncture or rupture
Source: Goodyear, Michelin, BF Goodrich & Hankook
The information provided above is general in nature and is by no means exhaustive or authoritative. We strongly advise you to consult with qualified professionals to address concerns that are specific to your circumstances.