Choosing New Tyres Maidstones

No matter the age or condition of your car, tires play a pivotal role in its performance and safety. Experts advise replacing them after a set period even if they appear fine or are only used occasionally.
Expect your new set of tires to feel different at first; this is because they have stiff and deep tread patterns which can cause something known as “squirm.”
Width or Section Width
Tire size codes provide two measurements that make up their nominal width: millimeters measured from sidewall to sidewall when looking head-on at it and aspect ratio as percentages; so for instance a 285/75R16 tire would have sidewall height equaling 75% of its width.
The next three-digit number indicates the wheel diameter of a tyre when mounted to its industry assigned rim width and properly inflated with recommended air pressures. This number is calculated using nominal section width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter values.
Understanding a tire’s sidewall codes can be tricky, but understanding them will allow you to choose the perfect tyres for your vehicle. These codes detail its type, width, aspect ratio, construction method, load index rating and speed rating.
Aspect Ratio
Tyres Maidstones may seem like simple black rubber rings that help your car move, but their design is the result of complex calculations and intricate planning. Making changes without understanding these details could impact ride quality, handling performance and safety negatively.
Your tyre size code indicates an aspect ratio, which measures how tall or low the sidewall is relative to section width. It can be expressed either numerically or as a decimal fraction such as “1.6:1.”
Taller sidewalls flex less when cornering and braking, which improves steering response, provides more precise handling, and decreases body roll for a sportier feel. Lower aspect ratios tend to give vehicles more of an authentic or traditional appearance while higher ones give your ride a modern aesthetic; an aspect ratio calculator is available online to assist in finding your perfect pair.
Construction
Construction is key to any tyre’s performance; tread, sidewalls and belts all play an essential part. Tread contact with the road is what gives it grip; its surface should be sculpted, adhered and then vulcanized for solidity.
Crown plies are interlaced steel wires which give a tyre its strength. Their main responsibility is restraining centrifugal force from stretching them too much while remaining flexible enough to “eat up” obstacles and absorb shocks on uneven roads.
Original Equipment (OE) tires that come pre-fitted on your car are known as original equipment tyres (OE). Your vehicle manufacturer selected these OE tyres based on specific test requirements; whether that involves new designs or modifications of existing models; either way they provide good year-round traction while not as safe in snow and ice conditions than summer or winter tires.
Wheel Diameter
Altering the size of tire/wheel combinations can have both positive and negative repercussions, both good and bad. A larger wheel may improve acceleration but alter gearing patterns in your car; on the other hand, smaller wheels could decrease power output as well as decrease traction.
Modern road tires feature multiple measurements denoted by their code number – such as 215/45R17. The first number indicates its nominal section width while the second indicates its rim diameter fitment.
As it’s best to ensure the proper operation of traction control and anti-lock braking systems on your vehicle, matching wheel and tire sizes with original ones should help to keep speedometer/odometer readings accurate and allow traction control systems to function smoothly. Larger wheels will cause suspension geometry changes.
Load Index
Load Index on Tyres A tyre’s load index indicates how much weight can safely be carried. Exceeding it can shorten its lifespan and cause accidents.
Although often neglected, tire load index is equally as crucial to car ownership. It tells you the weight your tyre can carry based on its recommended tire size and air pressure settings – this number was calculated by engineers that designed your car, so always follow what is listed in its owner’s manual or on an owner’s door sticker.
Weight capacities for tyres depend on several variables, such as your vehicle, driving conditions and inflation pressure of its tyre. When purchasing new tyres for your vehicle it is always advisable to seek professional advice first.
Speed Rating
Tire speed ratings should also be taken into consideration, alongside size, aspect ratio, construction and rim diameter. A tire’s speed rating demonstrates its maximum safe performance under specified conditions as measured through laboratory tests.
Low speed ratings such as L or T typically serve everyday commuter vehicles while H-rated tires support speeds up to 118 mph – these can typically be found on sports cars, coupes and some passenger sedans. Get our Mobile Tyre Fitting Maidstone services.