How to Understand your Tyre Size

[KrisHolden]

Hi
I understand reading the numbers when referring to tyre size for example: 205/65R15 94 V.
The 205= tyre width, 65=length from tyre border to rim, R= tyre construction, 15=rim diamater and 94V indicating load and speed.

When choosing my new tyre's which I want excellent grip and corner stability do I just choose the tyre size with the largest numbers as indicated on the drivers door?

Rego is up and Im still deciding on the P Zero Neros which I have on and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, but only if the mechanic says I need new tyres of course.

thanks!!

[hakhawk]

65 is a percentage of the width, not a measurement in mm

[KrisHolden]

^ I stand corrected

[richardpalinkas]

there are other markings on tyres stating tread wear, traction and temperature. for a good tyre, you want the tread wear to be a high number, as a higher number means the harder the tyre, and how well it wears with time, traction i would be looking for A, as well as temperature at A. cheap tyres usually have a low tread wear, thats why they need replacing more often than one with a higher tread wear number.

[KrisHolden]

there are other markings on tyres stating tread wear, traction and temperature. for a good tyre, you want the tread wear to be a high number, as a higher number means the harder the tyre, and how well it wears with time, traction i would be looking for A, as well as temperature at A. cheap tyres usually have a low tread wear, thats why they need replacing more often than one with a higher tread wear number.

Thank you. Im hoping those specs are online.

I like the P zero neros but I think the michelins are even better. Should I still choose a tyre size of 245 over a 225 if I can?

[RiCeY]

Unfortunately its not that simple as a tyre with a really hard compound will last for ages but will have crap traction. Racing spec tyres have very soft compounds and huge grip, but very short lives.

For the street you need to find a happy medium where you have good traction and good tyre life.

A big factor in tyre life is have the correct wheel alignment and tyre pressures.

Kris what size rims you running? If they are 19s the 245/35R19s are the best size.

[strgas]

careful trading tread wear with grip , a tyre that's done 50k may have very low grip good in the dry but come the wet time for new tyres and a hard compound will give high tyre noise and harsher ride

[KrisHolden]

careful trading tread wear with grip , a tyre that's done 50k may have very low grip good in the dry but come the wet time for new tyres and a hard compound will give high tyre noise and harsher ride

Unfortunately its not that simple as a tyre with a really hard compound will last for ages but will have crap traction. Racing spec tyres have very soft compounds and huge grip, but very short lives.

For the street you need to find a happy medium where you have good traction and good tyre life.

A big factor in tyre life is have the correct wheel alignment and tyre pressures.

Kris what size rims you running? If they are 19s the 245/35R19s are the best size.

Hey! I use 17s which is the factory default. Currently I am using 235/45/zr17. Im pretty happy with the cars performance in dry weather, but in the wet, I feel the back could have more grip. Its just gettin worse cause the rears need changing.

I have another commodore which has the Bridgestone adrenalins. The steering is so much better in that car. Not sure if its pressure, tyres or because that commo has the FE2 rather than the FE1.5 suspension which is on my calais.

iv just heard good things about Michelin and wanted to pick the best size for my car. Didnt know if a wider tyre meant more control and better traction. Not worried about fuel consumption or fast tread wear I guess.

[RiCeY]

With 17s youre better of staying with 235/45 because if you go wider youre going beyond what the rim was designed for and it can actually reduce handling. Tyre width does improve traction but only if the rims are wide enough to suit the tyre width.

Ive had great results from Maxxis Victras in the wet and the dry, obviously if you try hard enough any tyre will let go in the wet but if you drive smoothly these tyres hold on in the wet really well. They are a great mid range tyre for the money but if you want to spend more then you can get better of course.

[KrisHolden]

With 17s youre better of staying with 235/45 because if you go wider youre going beyond what the rim was designed for and it can actually reduce handling. Tyre width does improve traction but only if the rims are wide enough to suit the tyre width.

Ive had great results from Maxxis Victras in the wet and the dry, obviously if you try hard enough any tyre will let go in the wet but if you drive smoothly these tyres hold on in the wet really well. They are a great mid range tyre for the money but if you want to spend more then you can get better of course.

Thanks man... appreciate it. I have used them before too and they are pretty good! I still think Id like to try the Michelins in time. I get the feeling Pirrelis can be over-rated sometimes lol

fyi this is the site I trust for reviews n stuff
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....0NXL&tab=Sizes

cheers!

[Troy711]

Tyre Load Rating

That website will explain load and speed ratings.

[richardpalinkas]

try bridgestone potenzas, top of the line and not a bad price either. by far one of the best gripping tyres with extreamly great wear

[KrisHolden]

Tyre Load Rating

That website will explain load and speed ratings.

Thanks mate. Makes things easy to understand

try bridgestone potenzas, top of the line and not a bad price either. by far one of the best gripping tyres with extreamly great wear

I have always used potenzas on my 2nd car. Is there a better tyre than the adrenalins... I always thought they were the best of the lot. They are very good and cant really con them.
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires have gone through tests and has come out first so I was really wanting to try them on my Calais.

thanks mate!

[NAVZCALAIS]

Another thing to note is road noise. I originally had bridgestone's on my car (can't remember what type) and it made a lot of road noise. I've recently switched to Maxxis victra MA-Z1's and found my road noise has reduced and my handling has increased a little, mind you its on a 19" wheel. Personally i've always run my cars on maxxis tyres mainly because they don't burn a hole in the wallet and they are a very good tyre imo

[KrisHolden]

Another thing to note is road noise. I originally had bridgestone's on my car (can't remember what type) and it made a lot of road noise. I've recently switched to Maxxis victra MA-Z1's and found my road noise has reduced and my handling has increased a little, mind you its on a 19" wheel. Personally i've always run my cars on maxxis tyres mainly because they don't burn a hole in the wallet and they are a very good tyre imo

Thanks mate. Do apprecaited it. I have only heard good things about the Maxxis. I would love to know how they compare to the Adrenalins n Michelins Pilot Super Sport tires. I might do some research
cheers!!