Tire Dimensions

A tire is one of the most important parts of a vehicle. It protects the wheel by giving it cushion flexible enough to withstand friction and pressure. Likewise, it helps vehicle perform better by keeping the wheel in contact with the ground all the time. Shock is absorbed easily especially when the tires of a vehicle are maintained properly. These are just some of the many good reasons why various types of vehicles have tires including trucks, cars and motorcycles. People can understand its purpose by learning more about the different tire dimensions.

Dimensions of a Tire

The circumference of a tire varies depending on its diameter. If the tire diameter measures 28.1 inches or 715 millimeters, the circumference is 2.25 meters. If the diameter is 26.8 inches or 680 millimeters, the circumference is 2.14 meters. For a tire with a diameter measuring 27.3 inches or 694 millimeters, the circumference is 2.18 meters. Other common tire diameters are 25.9 inches or 658 millimeters, 26.5 inches or 672 millimeters and 26.7 inches or 678 millimeters. Their corresponding circumferences are 2.07 meters, 2.11 meters and 2.13 meters.

Additional Facts and Other Important Information

When people talk about tire dimensions, there are basically five different aspects to consider. These are the width, aspect ratio, speed rating, tire construction and rim diameter. An example of a tire size is 180/55ZR-17. The first number or second letter refers to the nominal width of a tire. Meanwhile, the aspect ratio is a number pertaining to the cross-sectional profile of a tire. When the number is bigger, the profile is higher. For instance, a 55 aspect ratio is indicative that the cross sectional height of a tire is 55 percent of its width.

Speed rating is the code letter after the aspect ratio. It tells about the maximum speed upon which a specific tire can be used considering optimum inflation pressure as well as maximum load. For instance, the speed rating Z can achieve a maximum speed of more than 149 miles per hour. If the speed rating is H, the tire can withstand a speed of up to 130 miles per hour.

Tire construction is another important factor to consider when buying tires for your vehicle. There are two options available, namely the so-called Radial and Belted tire constructions. A tire has a radial construction if it is made up of bias-ply tire. On the other hand, a tire is belted if it is made up of aramid fiber, Kevlar or fiberglass belts, which offer superior strength as well as added load capacity. Of course, do not forget the rim diameter, which is important to remember especially when buying a particular kind of tire that can fit your vehicle perfectly.