Truck tires are crucial for safe and efficient vehicle operation. Understanding the truck tire markings on the sidewall helps technicians choose and replace tires accurately. It also allows drivers to understand tire characteristics, adjust speed, load, and pressure accordingly, ensuring safety on every journey. Let’s explore these important parameters with Xe Tai My Dinh.
Understanding Truck Tire Sidewall Markings
The sidewall of a truck tire contains a series of encoded information with letters and numbers. Understanding the meaning of each symbol will help drivers operate the vehicle more safely and efficiently.
Manufacturer Name
The first and most recognizable information is the manufacturer’s name, usually printed prominently on the tire sidewall. The market currently has many famous truck tire brands such as Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear,… Bridgestone is a typical example of a high-quality truck tire manufacturer in Vietnam, with outstanding products such as Bridgestone R156 and R150, designed to save fuel and have a long lifespan thanks to stone ejectors, groove fences, and optimized tread distribution.
Tire Width
The truck tire markings for tire width are represented by the first series of numbers, measured in mm (millimeters), ranging from 225-315mm. This number represents the overall width of the tire, directly proportional to the contact surface between the tire and the road. For example, in the symbol 295/80R22.5, “295” is the tire width.
Aspect Ratio
The number after the slash (/) represents the percentage ratio between the tire’s sidewall height and the tire width. For example, in the symbol 295/80R22.5, “80” means the sidewall height is 80% of the tire width (295mm). This parameter is usually between 70-90% for truck tires.
Tire width is proportional to the road contact area
Tire Construction
The symbol “R” in truck tire markings indicates Radial tire construction, with radially oriented carcass plies. This is the most common type of construction today, providing better performance than Diagonal construction (symbol “-“).
Rim Diameter (Inches)
The number after the tire construction symbol (R or -) is the rim diameter, measured in inches. This parameter indicates the rim size suitable for the tire. When replacing tires, make sure to choose a tire with a rim diameter that matches the vehicle’s rim.
M+S Indicator
Some tires have the “M+S” symbol, indicating that the tire meets the minimum requirements for driving on muddy or snowy roads.
Maximum Tire Pressure
This parameter indicates the maximum pressure the tire can withstand when fully loaded. Pumping the tires below the allowed level will reduce operating efficiency and increase fuel consumption. Conversely, over-inflating the tires can easily cause tire bursts, which are dangerous when driving.
Maximum Load and Speed
Two other important parameters that drivers need to pay attention to are the maximum load and speed.
Maximum Load
Trucks should only carry the maximum load as designed by the tires to ensure safety and avoid damage. Exceeding the allowable load will be dangerous and reduce tire life.
Do not carry goods exceeding the allowable load
Maximum Speed
The maximum speed is indicated by the letter after the load index. Each letter corresponds to a maximum allowable speed level (e.g., G: 90km/h, J: 100km/h,…). When replacing tires, choose tires with a maximum speed rating equal to or higher than the usual driving speed.
The last letter on the tire indicates the maximum speed
Tread Wear Indicator (TWI)
TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) are small rubber bars located in the tread grooves, indicating the minimum tread depth. When the tire wears down to the same level as the TWI, it is necessary to replace the tires to ensure safety.
TWI – tire wear indicator
Understanding truck tire markings is essential for every driver. Hopefully, this article from Xe Tai My Dinh has provided useful information to help you choose and use truck tires correctly, ensuring safety and efficiency on every journey.
