How to understand Commercial Truck Tire Specifications

When it comes to commercial truck tires, the size and specification matter. To avoid unnecessary maintenance needs for your vehicle, you need to understand the exact type of tire it requires to operate as it should. There are many different elements that differentiate one commercial truck tire from another, and understanding each is the key to ensuring your fleet stays on the road and out of the shop.

Understanding Commercial Truck Tire Specifications

Look at the sidewall of any commercial truck tire and you’ll see a series of numbers and letters. Each number and letter indicates a different characteristic fleet managers need to understand when selecting their commercial truck tires, including:

• Tire Type: The first letter in the series will either be a “P” or “LT.” An “LT” appearing at the end indicates tires specified for light truck use while a “C” appearing at the end indicates tires specified for commercial use.
• Cross-Sectional Width: The following three digits indicate the cross-sectional width of the tire in millimeters. The width measures from the widest point on the inner sidewall to the widest point on the outer sidewall.
• Aspect Ratio: This shows the sidewall’s distance from the wheel rim to the outside of the tread and is usually represented by two digits following the forward slash in the series.
• Construction: Tire construction is indicated by either an “R,” “D,” or “B.” “R” means the tire is a radial construction; “D” indicates a bias ply construction; and “B” shows a belted tire construction.
• Size & Diameter: The next two digits show the tire and wheel diameter in inches.

Fleet managers can find even more information about their tires, including its load index, speed rating, DOT symbol, tire identification number, and uniform tire quality grading. All of these factors must be considered when selecting the right tires for your commercial trucking fleet.

Choosing the Right Commercial Truck Tires

A lot goes into choosing the right commercial truck tires. First, fleet managers need to ensure the tire is optimized to carry their vehicles’ weight. To ensure they are able to accurately track speed and distance data through the vehicle’s computer, fleet managers need to choose a tire diameter that makes the most sense for their commercial trucks. Diameter can also affect fuel consumption.

You can make sure that you select the best tires for your commercial truck by checking the manufacturer’s manual for optimal diameter size. As long as the diameter is within ¾ inch of the recommended diameter size, your tires should be a good match for your truck.

STTC for Your Commercial Truck Tires

One way to ensure you get the right tires for your commercial fleet every time is by partnering with STTC as a commercial truck tire provider. Our team offers a wide variety of commercial truck tire products and services, matching your fleet with the perfect tires every time. Find out what our team can do to help with your commercial truck tire selection by contacting us today!