Tyre Size Guide
It is essential to make sure that your vechile's tyres are safe, as the consequences of having dangerous tyres are unthinkable. Not only are there safety fears, you could be faced with points on your license and a massive fine if your tyres are not up to scratch. Your insurance may also be worthless if you have an accident due to unsafe tyres, because it is your responsibility to maintain them.
Below we have an example of how to check your tyre size which consists of 3 sets of numbers and a speed rating:
Width
This is the tyre width in millimetres
Profile
This is the ratio measurement of tyre width to profile height, shown as a percentage.
Wheel Size
This is the diameter of the inner rim in inches
Tyre Speed Rating
All tyres have a speed rating letter. The letter denotes a maximum speed that the tyre can sustain for a 10 minute period before becoming damaged. Each speed rating is 10Km/h above the previous.
As the table shows, the tyre speed rating is not considered vital due to the 70Mph speed limit imposed here in the UK.
| Speed Symbol | Approx MPH | Approx KM/H |
|---|---|---|
| Q | 99 | 160 |
| R | 106 | 170 |
| S | 112 | 180 |
| T | 118 | 190 |
| H | 131 | 210 |
| V | 149 | 240 |
| VR | 131 | 210 |
| W | 168 | 270 |
| Y | 186 | 300 |
| ZR | 149 | 240 |
Tread
It is also extremely important to make sure the tread of your tyre is at the legal limit of 1.6mm.
ROSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) recommends that you should change your tyres when it reaches 3mm, which equates to your tyre being 78% worn.
The reason why this is so important is because the tread determines the distance your vehicle needs to stop. So if your tyres have an 8mm tread, they can stop in 25.9m in the wet. When your tyres are at the legal limit of 1.6mm, it will take 39.5m to stop in the same conditions at the same speed.
| 8mm | Your Tyre is approx 0% worn |
| 7mm | Your Tyre is approx 15% worn |
| 6mm | Your Tyre is approx 31% worn |
| 5mm | Your Tyre is approx 47% worn |
| 4mm | Your Tyre is approx 62% worn |
| 3mm | Your Tyre is approx 78% worn |
| 2mm | Your Tyre is approx 94% worn |
| 1.6mm | DANGER - Your Tyre is at the legal limit |
The current maximum fine is £2,500 and 3 Penalty Points per Tyre
Pressure Monitoring Systems
As of late Autumn 2012, all new cars must be fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The TPMS will be subject to testing during MOT's therefore must be tested and serviced to ensure they meet MOT standards.
Leadgate tyre centre now offer the service of testing and servicing the TPMS on all cars.
If you need any more information on the safety of your tyres, then contact one of our talented technicians on 01207 438155.
- Opening Hours
- Monday 08:30 - 18:00
- Tuesday 08:30 - 18:00
- Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00
- Thursday 08:30 - 18:00
- Friday 08:30 - 18:00
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday Closed
