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The Lakeside Certified Auto Guide to Tire Specs

Posted September 10, 2017 9:22 AM

You know you need new tires, but you're not sure what type. You look at a tire to get the size: 225, 50, R, 16, 92, H. All the way to the Willoughby service center you keep repeating it over and over. You even say it over in your mind while waiting in line. Then you get to the counter and the manager asks what size you need. Then your mind goes blank.

Tire size can be confusing for many Willoughby drivers. There's so much on the side of the tire, and it's hard to keep straight.

Even though there's a lot on a tire - if you know what it all means, it's actually more helpful than confusing for Willoughby tire shoppers. Let's start with the size number.

For example, let's say a tire reads: 225 50 R 16 92 H. The 225 part is the width of the tire in millimeters - the width between the sidewalls of an inflated tire with no load. The 50 is the aspect ratio - the ratio of the sidewall height to the tread width. Off-road tires will have a higher number and high performance tires will have a lower number.

The R signifies it's a radial tire. And 16 is the rim or wheel size in inches.

The 92 is the load rating index - it's the load carrying capacity of a tire. The higher the number, the more it can safely carry. Your empty vehicle can be safe with a lower number, but you'll need a higher rating if you routinely haul heavy loads around Willoughby. The next letter is the speed rating. Not all tires sold in Willoughby are speed rated. The ratings generally follow the alphabet: the further up the alphabet, the higher the speed rating - with the exception of H - it comes between U and V (don't ask why).

There's a lot of fine print that most Willoughby area drivers probably need a magnifying glass to read. But there are a couple of other large print items of interest. One is the tread type: highway, mud and snow, all season, severe snow, etc.

And then there are the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System markings. The first is a tread wear index. 100 is the base line - a lower number is poorer and a higher number is better. All things being equal, a tire rated 200 would wear twice as long, on a government test track, than one rated at 100. These wear grades are only valid within the manufacturers product line - you can't compare with others. And it's important to note that a lower rating might be just what you want - a high performance, sticky tire has a softer rubber compound and won't wear as long, but boy, will it take those corners on twisting OH roads.

The next is a traction grade. This measures the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement in government tests. A - the best, B - intermediate, C - acceptable.

Temperature grade measures a tire's resistance to heat buildup in government tests. A, B and C - from best to acceptable.

It's safe for Willoughby drivers to go with the vehicle manufacturers original equipment recommendations that came on your car. But if you want to make adjustments, you'll now be better equipped to communicate with your friendly and knowledgeable Lakeside Certified Auto tire professional.

Lakeside Certified Auto
38525 Lakeshore Blvd
Willoughby, OH 44094
(440) 946-0076
http://www.lakesidecertifiedauto.com

 



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What People Say About Us

  • reviewicon
    , 03/05/2024

    Good honest folks! Very pleasant and very informative and VERY helpful!

  • reviewicon
    , 01/07/2024

    Awesome shop. Had work done on my 2016 KIA a few times and the work was exemplary and the cost was reasonable. I highly recommend!

  • reviewiconTires, near Willoughby, OH
    , 12/11/2023

    Great service! Very conscientious and highly communicative with car owner. Had tires replace at 71K miles. Tech called about needing rear brakes and rotors. Provided cost and I immediately approved. Picked up SUV a little later. These are great technicians and very honest. I highly recommend and will be back.

  • reviewiconTires, near Willoughby, OH
    , 12/13/2023

    I been having my car worked on there for quite a few years now. My son's child hood friend work there. He a 5 star mechanic. The business there is top notch. The price is very good. I come all the way from the Westside of Cleveland to Willoughby Ohio because it's hard to find a good mechanic shop.

  • reviewicon
    , 11/30/2023

    This was my first visit to this neighborhood business and we were very impressed. They checked my concerns, found nothing wrong, and we weren't charged. What I needed would have required a fair amount of time and effort ... no charge! We will definitely return for any service needs for our 2 cars. Thank you Lakeside Auto.

  • reviewicon
    , 11/18/2023

    Used to live nearby, moved 30 miles east and still make the trip because of fair prices and honest service I trust.

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