Invest in the right commercial truck tires!
Buying commercial truck tires is not an easy task. Many things need to be carefully considered before entering the buying process. The size and type of tires that are compatible with the vehicle and their detailed description must be considered. The proper tread pattern for the truck must be determined because this can greatly affect the maximum mileage and overall performance of any vehicle.
Necessary Background
Before going to a retail store or shopping for new commercial truck tires online, it would be beneficial to get some simple background knowledge about the type you need and/or want. Here is some information that might prove helpful when shopping for this necessary vehicle product.
- Learn the exact reason for purchasing a new set of wheels for the vehicle.
- Establish if a complete set will be changed or if the decision is drive vs. lead.
- Determine the treads that are suitable for the truck. Tread thickness can be a good measure to help decide whether to buy new ones. If the tread is less than a dime high, then it’s definitely time to buy a new set.
- Check the speed rating of current models. This can be done by looking on the side wall. This speed rating is marked with symbols such as M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W, and Y. Each symbol corresponds to a specific speed rating that is essential to know in order to maintain speed. . vehicle capabilities.
- Make all purchases in pairs. They must be replaced on both sides to maintain the balance and stability of the vehicle.
- Buy the best quality you can afford. Good tires can save money in terms of fuel consumption. High-quality ones have good treads that can provide better traction for the vehicle. The treads help the wheels run smoothly and provide better mileage on the highway, which reduces fuel costs.
- Please confirm the correct size before purchasing new ones. The right size increases a truck’s performance capabilities. This size can be determined by checking your owner’s manual, the cabinet on the driver’s door, or the sidewall of the tire. The Internet can also be used to confirm the proper size for a particular type of vehicle.
- Determine the load capacity of the truck. Knowing the load capacity of the truck, the thickness of the tires that will be needed to support the maximum possible load will be verified.
Decoding the letter code on the side wall
What you need to know about important alphanumeric numbers is stamped on the sidewall of your truck’s tires. As an example, consider: P250/70R20 110T M&S.
P – This letter refers to the Type of Vehicle for which the tires were designed. This size usually starts with P, T, and LT. The letter ‘P’ means that this type can be used for passenger cars; the letter ‘T’ denotes that it can only be used temporarily, such as when changing floors; and ‘LT’ indicates that it can be used for vehicles that can carry heavy loads.
250 – This number refers to the width of the tire in millimeters; for example, the number 250 indicates that there are 250 millimeters from the outer wall to the inner wall.
70 – This number refers to the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the height to the width of the tire. Given the example above, the height is 70% of the width.
R – This letter refers to the Radial Construction of the carcass plies. A pneumatic wheel version is made up of a carcass layer that provides support in extreme conditions. The carcass ply or the main body of the tire is made of fine textile fiber cords bonded to the rubber, which determines its strength. This letter can be replaced with D, B or F. Each letter signifies a different internal construction of the shell layers.
20 – These numbers refer to the Wheel Diameter. The number 20 indicates that the tire is designed to fit a 20-inch diameter rim. This number is expressed in ‘inch tires’, which are even numbers from 8 to 28. Heavy trucks have tires with half-inch diameters.
110 – These numbers refer to the charge index. The load index ranges from 0 to 279 and indicates how much weight the tire is certified to carry at the proper inflation pressure. In this example, ‘110’ can carry a maximum load of 2,337 pounds.
T – This letter refers to the Speed Rating. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which a tire is certified to be able to operate. The speed rating ranges from Q (lowest) to Z (highest), with the exception of the light truck (H) versions which are not rated.
M&S – These letters refer to Mud & Snow. This indicates that the tire meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association Standard for a type of mud and snow. Variations include: M+S, M/S, and M&S.
The tires that are placed on any commercial truck are the only link between that vehicle and the road surface. Keep this in mind when purchasing them, and don’t let cost be the primary buying consideration. Investing in quality wheels is always a wise choice for safety reasons. It’s also a good choice for financial reasons, as purchasing high-performance commercial truck wheels can lower your fuel cost and save money. Educate yourself and make a wise investment in commercial truck tires!
