Tyres are the only part of your car touching the road. Learn to read sizes, check pressure and know when to replace them.
Tyres affect braking, handling, fuel economy and comfort. A few minutes of attention each month keeps you safer on the road.
Reading a Tyre Size
A marking such as 205/55 R16 91V means a 205 mm width, a sidewall 55% as tall as the width, radial construction, a 16-inch wheel, a load index of 91 and a speed rating of V.
Checking Pressure
- Check monthly and before long journeys, when tyres are cold
- Use the pressure listed in the door frame or manual, not the number on the tyre wall
- Under-inflation increases wear and fuel use
Tread Depth
Many countries set a legal minimum of about 1.6 mm, but braking in the wet gets noticeably worse below 3 mm. Built-in wear bars show when the tread is low.
When to Replace
- Tread is near the wear bars
- There are cracks, bulges or cuts in the sidewall
- The tyre is more than about six to ten years old, even if tread remains
