Need-to-know stuff about our tires

Our tires are the most important component of our vehicle, often times we neglect the things that we, car owners should know about them. You go out and buy a new set of wheels, ofcourse you'll get some new set of tires escpecially when your switching your stock 14's or 15's to a 17" wheels. Then the shop gives you options as to which tire to pick, most of us will just ask the price difference and which they think is best, but what we don't know is when these were manufactures, if these are good for our climate, what tire pressure is appropriate for these set, how much load can this tire take on, does it have a good traction, can you go 200kph with these tires and the need-to-know list goes on. Trust me, that's how I was when I got my 17's and Maxxis Victra MZ-1 tires, well not unless I'm the only noob about this matter here. If yes well, I just want to share this anyway.

Here's an illustration on what those figures on the side wall of your tires are.





Here's how you'll know when your tires were manufactured.



In this case, tires were manufactured on the 7th week of the year 2007 which falls on the month of February 2007. Most tires usually expires after 4 years, so in this case, these tires will expire on the year 2011.

Load Index is important for you to know how much load your tire can take.



The letter that you see beside the number is the speed symbol, here's a chart for your speed symbol for you to know as to what speed can you go with your tires.



Here is an illustration on how to read your tire specification.



Here you'll be able to know if your tire is fit for the climate you live in. If you're from the Philippines yours should indicate Temperature A.



With regards to traction, it is grade from highest to lowest as AA, A, B and C respectively. Mine says Traction A.

On Treadwear, the higher the figure, the longer your tire will last. Just to site and example, a figure that says Treadwear 400 will last twice as long as a Treadwear 200 tire.

I think that's just about it. I hope you were able to pick up something from this entry, so when it's time for you to get yourself some new set of tires, you'll have something to check other than it's price.

Thanks for reading.