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Tires 101

Everything you need
to know about tires

Tire Maintenance & Safety

Tires affect your vehicle handling, ride, braking, and safety. For optimum performance, tires must have the correct air pressure, tread depth, balance and the wheels of the vehicle must be properly aligned. Learn all about these topics and more from our tire maintenace & safety articles.

About Size

How to read tire size

That number on your sidewall isn't random — here's what each part means.

Tire seen head-on with arrows marking its width and height
Tire seen face-on with the sidewall height and rim diameter marked
Close-up of a tire sidewall marking with width, aspect ratio, diameter and load range called out

Width

The width of the tire in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. A wider tire gives more grip but uses more fuel.

Sidewall height

The height of the sidewall from the rim to the tread, which cushions the ride and affects handling response.

Aspect Ratio

The height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width. Lower number = sportier, stiffer ride.

Rim Diameter

The diameter of the wheel this tire fits, measured in inches. Must match your rim exactly.

About Type

Tire types explained

Different tires for different roads. Find out which one fits your driving style.

Year-round driving

Year-round driving in mild climates — dry, wet, light snow. Great balance for everyday commuters.

Temperature

Reliable from -10°C to +35°C — handles everyday temperature swings with ease.

Tread life

Typically 60,000–80,000 miles. Longest lifespan among tire categories.

Replacing

When to replace your tires

Don't wait for a blowout. Here are the signals to watch.

Age over 6 years

Rubber degrades even with low mileage. Check the DOT date on the sidewall.

Tread below 2/32"

The classic penny test: if you see Lincoln's head — time to replace.

Vibration or pulling

Uneven wear or internal damage. Get inspected immediately.

Cracks or bulges

Sidewall damage is a blowout risk. Replace immediately, no exceptions.

Ratings

Understanding UTQG ratings

Every tire has a 3-part grade stamped on the sidewall. Here's what it means.

500

Treadwear

Higher = longer lasting. 100 is the baseline. Most tires range 200–700.

AA

Traction

Wet braking performance. AA is best, then A, B, C.

A

Temperature

Heat resistance at speed. A is best, then B, C.

Ratings

Common questions

Now You know

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