How do you read a tire sidewall and what does it mean? Of course all manufacturers are going to put their name on it, and they will also put the model, be it numbers or letters.
Tires… are you confused yet?
How do you read a tire sidewall and what does it mean? Of course all manufacturers are going to put their name on it, and they will also put the model, be it numbers or letters.
Now let’s look at the size: we’ll use 295 80 R 22.5. The 295 is the tread width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio of the tread vs sidewall or sidewall height is 80% of the tread width, R means this is a radial tire, and 22.5 is the wheel size, a 22 1/2″ wheel.
Next is the DOT code. This is required by law, and is usually 12 characters after the letters DOT. The first four are the manufacturer and plant code, next four are at the discretion of the manufacturer, and the last four are the date code in the format of wwyy. So 2309 means the tire was made the 23rd week of 2009. The DOT code is required, but not on both sides of the tire, so if you look and don’t see it, it should be on the other sidewall. You can tell how old the tire is with this code, and it is not recommended that you run tires over seven years old by the tire manufacturers association. I check the date code on all tires before I buy them, and while I’m waiting for tire repairs, just for fun I look at the tires in the rack that are for sale. It may surprise you just how old some new tires really are.
The load range is next, a simple letter B thru M less the I. Load range is tied to ply rating with this letter, B being 2 ply and each letter gaining a 2 ply rating up to M at 22 ply. The weight capacity of the tire is determined by the DOT in their testing and given the rating at a specified air pressure. There is also the load index/speed rating. You may not know what it is by looking but it looks kind of like this: 144/141L or 161L. The first is for a single/dual 6175 lbs/5675 lbs load index, speed rating L or 75 mph max, the second is a wide single 10,200 lbs load index, speed rating L or 75 mph.
Speed ratings are on all tires you just have to know what to look for. Truck tires are rated from B thru N less I, B being 30 mph and N being 87 mph. Now all these ratings and indexes assume the tires are properly inflated for the load they are carrying and conditions the tire was designed to operate in. There are other markings, but they don’t have any real meaning to those who didn’t build the tire, like me.
Which tires are your best choices? There are so many options to choose from it can be difficult to make a good decision. Do I want the longest wearing, the best ride, am I going for the fuel savings? How about traction? Is a deep lug right or do I want a less aggressive tread? What kind of road conditions will I be encountering? Ice and snow, muddy lots, nice smooth paved highways or all of the above? Will most of my miles be out on the open highway or city delivery type driving? What is the needed load capacity? Will I be running duals or wide base singles on the drive axle and or trailer? Is price going to play a major role in my decision?
There are lots of differing opinions on this subject, some informed, some not so much. My opinion is just that, informed as much as I can be, but still an opinion. With that said, here it is:
I would like a tire that gave me the best ride, traction, life, aided in fuel savings and was CHEAP. We all know that’s not going to happen, so I have to decide what is most important to me. First my tires must be the most fuel efficient I can get in the size I run. Once I find a tire that meets that criteria I look at the rest of its specs. Looking at the load range ( weight rating ) it must meet or exceed the axle rating. For example, if you have a 12,000 lb steer axle each single tire must exceed a 6,000 lb rating as most tires do. Dual tires on a 20,000 lb axle each tire must handle 5,000 lbs (20,000 divided by 4). A wide single on the drive or trailer axle needs to handle at least 10,000 lbs each.
Ok my selection passes so far; let’s look at the traction rating, which is a rating that is hard to find. It is marked on passenger vehicle tires but you have to ask for it on truck tires. Ratings are AA, A, B, C, with AA being the best. This tells us how easily it will spin or slide. The wear rating is also found on passenger tires but you must ask on truck tires. The larger the number the longer it will last. The temperature rating is again on passenger tires but you must ask on truck tires. Ratings are A, B, and C, and tells us how well it will dissipate heat. Traction, wear and temp ratings are not widely available so not a deal breaker on a tire purchase.
Back to traction. The typical tread for a drive axle is a deep aggressive lug style that is not usually good for fuel mileage, and since we stay mostly on interstate highways a less aggressive tread is more acceptable. If I were to run duals I would go with an all-position tire on the steers and the drives, and those with a lift axle here also. We run wide singles on our drives and the choices are limited, but there are very good mileage-enhancing designs, and they are getting better all the time. Some think lugs are the only way to go in ice or snow; I say use what you are comfortable with, and if it gets too bad, pull over and wait it out – safety is most important.
Life expectancy is a variable that is what it is. Typically the deeper the tread the longer it will last. Tires will wear less the slower you drive. Keeping the proper inflation pressures for the load you are carrying helps also. Driving habits can also cause premature tire wear, shortening the life. Keeping the axles aligned lengthens life, and not just the steer axle – do them all.
Ride is also not real a real choice, however the higher the load/ply rating the firmer the ride. The wide singles do give a better ride than the typical set of duals: fewer sidewalls equals less stiffness.
Price is a component we cannot overlook. If you find the perfect tire, it meets most of your “specs”, the price vs. value must be considered. All things purchased for your truck have a ROI (return on investment) to be considered. If you buy the higher priced more fuel efficient tires will they save enough fuel to pay the difference over the less expensive tires? The more fuel efficient tires will probably wear out sooner than the deeper treaded tires as they typically start with less tread. Price isn’t the real consideration, it’s value. Mileage vs. miles… something to think about.
For most, choosing a tire is as simple as replacing what you have with the same thing. If you’re happy with them, great. If you aren’t happy with what you have this will give you something to think about. In any case, use the right tire for the job it’s going to do. All-position is just that, it will work on the steers, drives and trailer. Steer tires only on steer axle (not too many manufacturers make these but there are a few). Drive tires on the drive axle and trailer although you don’t need the traction of a drive style tire on the trailer. Trailer tires must not be used anywhere but a dead axle, as the sidewalls are not designed to handle torque from the drive or the side loads of the steer axle, they are ok on trailers and tag or pusher axles lift able or not. Hope this helps. Bob
By the way did you know the Michelin man has a name? It’s Bibendum. Thought you might like to know.
