HOW TO READ YOUR TYRE SIZE
Tyre Profile
This relates to the depth of the sidewall (the wall at the side of the tyre). The profile is expressed as a percentage of the tyre's width. Eg. Our 215/60R15 tyre has a profile or sidewall that is 60% of the 215mm (width). A low profile tyre is generally 50% or below, down to as little as 30% with ultra low profile tyres. Higher performance vehicles are usually fitted with tyres that have lower profiles.
While low profile tyres give you greater control and better handling on corners, they can give a slightly harder ride. Also, going to a lower profile on the same size wheels will alter your speedometer reading so you'll need to fix that up before you hit the road. Talk to us and we can help you get the right fitment.
How do I know when my tyres need replacing?
Most tyres have wear markers evenly spaced around their circumference. They usually look like small blocks in the tread. If the wear marker is flush with the tread it means the tyre is unroadworthy and you risk the potential for a crash. Tread depth isn't the only factor to consider when replacing your tyres. Tyres contain moisture and oils that help keep them supple and assist in dispersing heat. As a tyre ages is loses it's suppleness as the oils evaporate out. These days all tyres are stamped with a date of manufacture although it's not that obvious. It's usually a 4 digit number where the first 2 digits represent the week of manufacture and the last 2 the year. For example a stamp of "2107" means the tyre was manufactured in the 21st week of 2007.
- Understand that the primary function of tread on a tire is to divert water from beneath the tire to improve traction and avoid hydroplaning on wet roads. Tires become unsafe when they're worn, and once the tread is down to 1/16th of an inch (1.6mm), the tire is no longer safe.
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Look at the tread pattern.
All tires have what are called "tread wear bars". These are small bridges that form between your treads. Look at the tread pattern and you'll see the beginnings of these bars start to form between the treads, or running across the tires. As the tires wear, these bars will become flush (level or even) with the tire's tread. At this point, it's time to replace the tires.
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Make note of any irregular tread wear.
This could indicate a wheel misalignment, the need for a tire rotation, or both. Uneven tread wear is a sign that you need to take your car in for servicing.
