The sidewall of the tyres can be read-only if you have adequate knowledge about the same. The information on the sidewall is highly beneficial especially when you are going to purchase a new set of car tyres. What kind of information is present on the sidewall and what does each sign mean:

1. Width of the tyre: The tyre’s width is measured in millimetres specifically from one end of the sidewall to the other.

2. Tyre’s aspect ratio: This ratio of the car tyre is from the cross-section to the tyre’s width which is calculated in percentage. For instance, if the ratio is 65, it means the height of the tyre is 65 per cent of the tyre’s width.

3. The diameter of the car’s wheel: The height or diameter of the car’s wheel is measured in inches.

4. Load index: The load index of the tyre has to do with the highest capacity of carrying in kilograms. This is also mentioned on the sidewall towards the right of the tyre’s diameter. For instance, a load index of 91 could bear 615 kilograms of weight. The speed and load ratings of the tyre should be checked together while purchasing a new car tyre.

5. Speed rating: This rating signifies the highest tyre’s speed at the time when it is filled correctly and is being utilised under a significant amount of weight. The letter present at the sidewall’s end is the speed rating, post the load index. A tyre having a V speed rating, for instance, signifies a high speed of 240 miles per hour. While purchasing a new set of car Continental tyres Twickenham, the speed rating needs to be matched with the speed potential of the car.

Very high load index and varied speed ratings

There is a possibility that you install car tyres with a load index that is high and the speed ratings vary to the specifications shared by the manufacturer of the vehicle. However, it is still important to refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of the car if the tyres are to be installed onto your car. Installing these tyres on your vehicle should be permissible under the local regulations and laws as well. Compliance with all the requirements of the local regulations and laws is important and the tyre specifications should not be exceeded with the information provided in the handbook of the owner. 

Can tyres with more speed rating than the manufacturer specifications be fitted?

Yes, they could be fitted. However, it is imperative to check the owner’s manual first to verify if these car tyres could be installed on the car.

Can tyres with more load index than the manufacturer's recommendations be fitted?

Yes, fitting these tyres is possible. However, the documentation of the car provided by the manufacturer should always be checked if you are planning to install these tyres on the car.

Can tyres with more load index and speed rating than the manufacturer's recommendations be fitted?

Yes, this is a possibility. However, the documentation of the car shared by the car’s manufacturer should be referred to if you are planning to install these tyres on the car.

Can tyres with less speed rating than the manufacturer specifications be fitted?

This is highly inadvisable. It could affect the vehicle’s handling, and pose a risk to your safety. Car tyres with speed ratings that differ should never be fitted on the vehicle. The documentation or handbook should be checked in this case as a practice as well.

Can tyres with less load index than the manufacturer specifications be fitted?

This is also not advisable at all. It is suggested that all the car tyres being installed should possess a similar load index. The documentation or handbook should be checked in this case as a practice as well.

Tip

The owner’s handbook should be checked to find out the limit of the load. Putting extra load on the vehicle puts the tyres as well as the other components under stress. It could lead to decreased handling, higher consumption of fuel, and even failure of the tyres Richmond. It could also cause extensive cracking, separation of the components, or even a blowout.