Why Size Matters: Understanding Tire Sizes

When it comes to choosing commercial truck tires for your fleet, selecting the right size is crucial. There are many different factors that make up a tire’s size, and failing to select the right fit for your trucks can be extremely detrimental to your fleet.

How to Find Your Tire Size

Each tire’s size is indicated on its sidewall, containing a unique series of numbers and letters to indicate the exact fit for your vehicle. Telling you everything from tire type and width to speed and weight restrictions, the following information is used to determine the right size for your tires:

• Type: Appearing as the first letter in the series, this indicates the type of tire and its intended use. If there are no letters at the beginning, this means the tire is Euro-Metric and may have different load capacities than a P-Metric tire.
• Width: The next three numbers in the series indicate the tire width from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters.
• Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio calculates the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width. For example, if the series reads P215/65, that means the tire’s height is equal to 65% of its width.
• Construction: Indicated by the letter “R,” this means the tire’s layers run radially across it. Radial tires also do not use a fabric casing support manufacture, but uses steel.
• Diameter: The next two numbers indicate the tire’s diameter from one end of the tire to the other.

Additionally, tires have other specifications, such as load index, speed rating, DOT symbol, tire identification number, and UTQG. This information is used to determine the tire’s maximum load capacity, maximum speed, treadwear, traction, and temperature capabilities.

Why Commercial Truck Tire Size Matters

Without the right tire size, you could negatively impact your fleet’s bottom line. Commercial truck tires are usually bigger and wider, allowing them to have increased traction and stability. Selecting tires that are smaller in size and width could be a safety hazard for your drivers as vehicles struggle to maintain stability on the road. Additionally, shorter tires mean more revolutions, which results in quicker, more severe wear and tear if it is used in an inappropriate application That means more money spent on maintenance and repairs for your fleet.

Understanding tire size will also help you to determine the best course of action to take when it’s time for replacement. Larger and more aggressive tires with deeper tread depth are more expensive  than trailer tires with short treads.. Opting for retread tires may allow you to increase your bottom line while still providing the same level of safety and efficiency to your fleet.

STTC Commercial Truck Tire Services

When you need the best fit for your commercial truck tires, look no further than the most trained sales force in the industry  at STTC for assistance. Our team is expertly trained in understanding the needs of your commercial trucking fleet, matching you with the best tire size for your commercial trucks every time. Contact our team today to find out more about our complete commercial truck tire service offerings.