Taking care of your vehicle is vital to ensure that it serves you for the long run and safety. An essential part of vehicle maintenance is understanding the tyre size.

Choosing the correct tyre dimension is crucial for the functioning of the car, but protecting your car from any uncertain event is also essential. A car insurance policy helps you safeguard yourself from financial liabilities that arise from any damage to the vehicle or third parties that may be involved in the accident. Many companies, such as Tata AIG, offer the facility of online car insurance. You can also easily compare car insurance when purchasing a car insurance policy.

This article will help you know how you can determine and interpret the tyre size of your vehicle.

  How Do You Know the Tyre Size of Your Vehicle? 

Knowing your vehicle’s tyre size is easy if you know where you should look for it. The information about the tyre is dominantly visible on the side walls of it. 

  Your Car Manual

A straightforward way to look for the car tyre size is to check your vehicle’s manual. You can find the exact specifications of the tyre as the manufacturer recommends.

  Measurement

When a car manual isn’t accessible, the most direct and accurate way to determine the car’s tyre size dimension is by measuring it independently. This process involves accessing three critical aspects of the measurement:

1. Width:

Measure the tyre width from one edge to the other in millimetres. They are typically expressed as the first number in the tyre code. For example, if the tyre is 190 mm wide, the code starts with P190.

2. Aspect Ratio:

The aspect ratio represents the height of the tyre’s sidewall as the percentage of its width. For instance, if the tyre’s height is 65% of its width, then 65 is the aspect ratio to consider. It comes in the second part of the code. The fifth and sixth digits would be the aspect ratio.

3. Diameter:

To measure the tyre’s diameter in inches, start from one end of the inner circle to the other, passing from its centre. It is usually seen as the last two numbers in the tyre code.

  Guide for Reading a Tyre Size

Understanding how to interpret your tyre size can be helpful. If your current tyre features a code like P190/65R14 84V, here’s a breakdown of what each component means:

1. The letter P indicates that the tyre suits passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and vans.
2. The number 190 represents the tyre width, measured in millimetres from one side to the other. A higher number, such as 210, indicates a wider tyre.
3. The number 65 in the tyre size signifies the aspect ratio, representing the sidewall height as a percentage of the tyre width. The sidewall is 65% of the tyre’s width in this case.
4. The letter R indicates radial construction, the most common tyre construction type.
5. The number 14 corresponds to the tyre diameter in inches.
6. 84 is the tyre’s load index, signifying the maximum weight the tyre can support when properly inflated. For example, a load index of 84 can bear a total weight of 500 kilograms. Consult a load index chart to determine the weight a specific tyre can handle.
7. Lastly, the letter V represents the tyre’s speed rating. In this instance, a V rating means the tyre can handle a maximum speed of 240 kilometres per hour.

  Significance of Right-Sized Tyre for Your Vehicle 

Getting the right tyre size dimension  is important; here’s why:

 Driving Comfort

Properly sized tyres help you experience a smoother and more comfortable ride. They help reduce noise and vibrations, giving you a pleasant driving experience.

 Speed Control  and Mileage

The right-sized tyres facilitate getting accurate readings of the speedometer and odometer. These accurate measurements are essential for keeping speed under control and monitoring your vehicle’s mileage.

 Grip on Road

Appropriate tyres for your vehicles help you better grip the road. It is crucial for a safe ride during adverse weather conditions like snow or rain.

 Safety

It is crucial to have right-sized tyres as they adequately support the vehicle’s weight. In addition, it helps respond better to the driver’s instructions, thereby ensuring safe braking in case of immediate stoppages.

 Fuel Efficiency

Right-sized tyres can help in enhancing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Overly small or large tyres can increase fuel consumption and reduce efficiency.

  Conclusion 

The car’s tyre is an essential functional part that keeps the vehicle running efficiently. Choosing the right size tyre is vital for a smooth riding experience. However, it is equally important to have car insurance to ensure financial stability in case of unforeseen events.