P215/65R15 89H
The "P" Stands For "P-Metric" Or "Passenger". This Means That It Is A North American Tire Sizing Designation. European Tires Typically Don't Have The "P" Attached To The Size. Tires With Higher Ply Ratings Will Generally Start With "LT" Which Stands For "Light Truck". This Indicates The Tire Is An LT Metric And Will Always Have A Load Range Indicated. It Is Important To Note This For Vehicles That Call For LT Metric Tires. Never Substitute A P Metric Tire For An LT Metric Tire, Even If All The Other Dimensions Are The Same.
The "215" Is The Width Of A Tire, Also Known As The "Section Width". This Is The Width Of The Tire In Millimeters At Its Widest Point From Sidewall To Sidewall When Mounted On The Recommended Rim Width. The Actual Tire Width Can Vary Depending On The Rim Width It Is Mounted On.
The "65"Is Known As The Aspect Ratio. It Is Calculated By Dividing The Section Height By The Section Width And Multiplying By 100. (In This Example, The Sidewall Will Be 65% Of 215) The "R" Stands For Radial, Meaning It Has A Radial Construction. Radial Tires Have Ply Cords That Extend To The Beads And Are Laid At 90 Degrees To The Centerline Of The Tread, The Carcass Being Stabilized By A Circumferential Belt. Other Possibilities Include "B" For Belted Construction And "D" For Diagonal Construction. This Means The Ply Cords Extend To The Beads And Are Laid At Alternate Angles Less Than 90 Degrees To The Centerline Of The Tread. The "15" Stands For The Diameter Of The Wheel In Inches. This Is The Exact Size That This Tire Will Fit. There Are Some Older Rims Called "TRX" Which Are Metric Measurements Like 390. You CAN NOT Mix TRX Rims With Regular Tires Or Vise-Versa.
The "89" Is The Load Index The "H" Is The Speed Symbol.Below is a listing of common speed ratings:
Q = 99 MPH, 160km/h
S = 112 MPH, 180km/h
T = 118 MPH, 190km/h
U = 124 MPH, 200km/h
H = 130 MPH, 210km/h
V = 149 MPH, 240km/h
Z = 149 MPH, 240km/h and over
W = 168 MPH, 270km/h
Y = 186 MPH, 300km/h
It is not recommended to downgrade your tires to a lower speed rating than of the OEM tires that came with your vehicle at the time of purchase. Doing so can effect the handling of the car, and in an emergency situation that can be dangerous. Also, never mix tires with different speed ratings on your vehicle.Load Ratings
60 551 250
61 567 257
62 584 265
63 600 272
64 617 280
65 639 290
66 662 300
67 677 307
68 695 315
69 717 325
70 739 335
71 761 345
72 783 355
73 805 365
74 827 375
75 853 387
76 882 400
77 908 412
78 937 425
79 964 437
80 990 450
81 1018 462
82 1047 475
83 1074 487
84 1102 500
85 1135 515
86 1168 530
87 1201 545
88 1234 560
89 1278 580
90 1323 600
91 1356 615
92 1389 630
93 1433 650
94 1477 670
95 1521 690
96 1565 710
97 1609 730
98 1653 750
99 1708 775
100 1764 800
101 1819 825
102 1874 850
103 1929 875
104 1984 900
105 2039 925
106 2095 950
107 2149 975
108 2205 1000
109 2271 1030
110 2337 1060
111 2403 1090
112 2469 1120
113 2535 1150
114 2601 1180
115 2679 1215
116 2750 1250
117 2833 1285
118 2911 1320
119 2999 1360
120 3080 1400
121 3197 1450
122 3308 1500
123 3410 1550
124 3528 1600
125 3638 1650
Here are some other markings you may find on your tire's sidewall:
The M+S (Also Displayed As M&S Or M-S) Indicates The Tire Has All Season Capabilities. You Will Find This On Almost All All Season And Winter Tires. Summer Tires Will Not Have This Designation. For A Tire To Get This Designation, It Must Have A Specified Tread-To-Void Ratio, However It Does Not Mean That The Tire Has Passed Any Actual Tests For It Effectiveness In Severe Conditions.
Indicates A Severe Snow Conditions Rating. Tires Bearing This Symbol Will Provide Snow Performance Superior To Tires Only Bearing The M+S Symbol. These Are The Safest Tires For Any Kind Of Winter Driving. Some Ski Resorts Will Not Even Let You Up Their Mountain If You Do Not Have This Symbol On Your Tires.
DOT Stands For Department Of Transportation. The 10, 11 Or 12 Digit Code Appearing After The DOT Designation Gives Information Such As The Week And Year The Tire Was Produced, As Well As The Manufacturer, Plant, Tire Line, And Size. The First 2 Characters Designate The Tire's Manufacturer And Plant Code. The Third, Fourth And Fifth Characters, Are The Tire Size Code. The Last Three Or Four Numbers (4 Numbers For Years After 2000) Are When The Tire Was Manufactured. The First Two Digits Of The Date Code Represent The Week And The Last 1 Or 2 Digits Represent The Year.
Maximum Inflation Pressure Is The Highest Inflation Pressure That The Tire Can Withstand. This Is Not, However, The Recommended Inflation Pressure. Inflation Pressures Should Never Be Below The Recommended Pressure Or Above The Maximum Pressure Branded On The Sidewall.
Also See Air Pressure.
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading rating is a quality rating system developed by the American Department of Transportation. It is designed to tell consumers the relative performance of passenger tires (but does not apply to winter tires).
Below is an example of a UTQG Rating:
150A BThe "150" indicates the treadwear rating
the "A" indicates traction
the "B" indicates temperature
The Treadwear rating is based on a wear test performed on a 400 mile government test course covering specified sections of public roads in Texas. A group of not more than 4 test vehicles travels the course in a convoy so that all tires experience the same conditions. Tread groove depths of the tires being tested are measured after each 800 miles. The same procedure is followed for a set of "control" or "course monitoring tires" Upon the completion of the 7200 mile test, the rating results of both tires are compared, and the tires being tested are assigned a treadwear rating according to government standards. This number can be used to compare between tires. In the above example, this tire rated 150 should last 1/2 as long as a tire rated 300. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use and may be significantly different from the norm due to differences in road characteristics and climate.
The Traction ratings are AA, A, B, and C, from highest to lowest. This measurement indicates a tires ability to stop in a straight line on wet pavement. The rating is based on a 40mph test where the brakes are "locked up" on wet asphalt and wet concrete surfaces. It's important to remember that this rating does not indicate the tires ability to resists hydroplaning, and do not apply to cornering traction.
Temperature ratings are determined by running tires on an indoor roadwheel test under specified conditions. Successive 30 minute runs are made in 5mph increments starting at 75mph and continuing until the tires fails. Tires with an A rating must withstand at least 114mph, B at least 99mph, and C at least 85mph. These measurements indicate the tire's ability to sustain high temperatures which often cause tires to wear away quickly or in extreme conditions lead to sudden tire failure.
The best place to store winter tires is in a cool, dry location. (Basement, or possibly a garage). You can lay them down flat, stacked on top of each other no taller than 4 high. This offers the most support and should eliminate any fitting problems the following fall. We also recommend that you return to the store/dealer from where you purchased your tires from and ask for storage bags. This will protect the tires from natural ozone in the air which can cause tire rubber to dry and crack. Wrap each tire individually and stack them. Stored tires should be kept away from electric motors or welders as these produce ozone which will damage the rubber over time.
Air PressureAre your tires set at the optimum inflation? Chances are they are anywhere from 8psi to 18psi less than recommended. The most common way of damaging tires is improper inflation. Low air pressure causes tires to experience irregular treadwear as well as poor vehicle handling and traction. Under inflated tires can build up excessive heat and blow out without warning.
Keeping your tires set at the manufacturer's recommended pressure is one of the easiest ways of saving gasoline, increasing tire treadlife, and ensuring safety. An Arizona Energy Office Report notes if your tires are inflated to 24psi, and you increase the air pressure to 32psi, your fuel mileage should increase by 3 miles per gallon (an average increase of 10%!)
Always check your air pressure and make adjustments when the tires are cold (tires have not been driven for 2 hours). Air pressure should be checked bi-weekly at the very least. This is important because as outside temperatures change, so does tire air pressure. A 10 degree drop in temperature can reduce tire pressure by 1psi. That means if you set your pressures in the July and don't check them again until December, you could have lost several psi, decreasing fuel mileage and causing pre-mature tire wear. Also remember to check your spare tire for loss of air.
If you are unsure how to use an air pressure gauge and hose, your local tire shop should be willing to show you the correct procedure. Always use a good quality tire pressure gauge that is not on a hose. The tire gauges built into the air hoses at your local garage have generally not been maintained and can not be trusted to be accurate.
Note, air pressures can be "tuned", however you should NEVER exceed the maximum pressure branded on the tire's sidewall, and NEVER set pressures lower than recommended in the vehicle's owners manual. Also, if you have altered your tire size from original, then the minimum pressure may need to be adjusted. Consult a rim/tire professional for correct pressures.
Of course, if your vehicle has different sizes of tires from front to back, or if your tires are directional, these may not work. Consult a professional if you are still not sure.
Vehicle alignment is one of the most important factors in not only vehicle care, but tire care. Improper alignment on either the front or rear wheels can result in unusual tread wear, damage to your suspension, and unusual handling for the car. Wheel alignments should be performed every time you install a new set of tires, and any time you experience an impact such as a large pot hole, curb, or other obstacle. For maintenance purposes, alignment should be checked every 30,000 km (about 18,700 miles).
There are several alignment types, including both two and four wheel alignment. Four wheel alignment is always recommended, but some vehicles are not able to have the rear alignment adjusted. Consult with an alignment specialist you trust to find out what's best for your car. Warning signs that you might need an alignment are your car pulling to one side or another, and irregular tire wear.
A puncture to any area of a tire's tread will affect performance and safety, and therefore must be immediately attended to through either replacement of the tire (spare or new tire) or a patch. Any patch that is applied to a tire must be applied to both the outer part of the tire (tread) and the inner part of the tire. The reason for this is that the rubber on each side is very different (inside is made of halobutyl rubber meant for holding air, while the outside is a harder durable rubber primarily designed for traction). A good tire repair can only be made if the tire is removed from the rim (wheel) and inspected carefully for any hidden damage. Only straight through holes, 3/16" or smaller diameter may be repaired, when no secondary damage has ocured.
Tire / Wheel Assembly Is Out Of Balance
No Hub Centric Rings On Aftermarket Wheels ?>Buy Hub Centric Rings
Incorrect Mounting Hardware For Aftermarket Wheels
Tire Is Poorly Seated On The Rim Irregular Tire Wear Out Of Round Rim Out Of Round TireDo not ignore apparent impacts, pulling, or vibration. This could be an indicator of tire damage as much as mechanical problems that should be inspected by a professional. If there is a problem with your tires and the way they have been installed they will most likely begin to shake and vibrate your vehicle at between 50 and 65 mph.
There Is No Dirt Or Oily Build Up Between The Hub And The Wheel
Lugs Are Properly Torqued
Both Tire Beads Are Securely Mounted
Any Retaining Clips On The Brake Drums Are Removed
Tires are manufactured to close tolerances, however as they wear their mass can become unevenly distributed, negatively effecting the original balance. The most common signs of unbalanced tires are vibration problems. These can affect the speed, handling and mileage of your vehicle. Balancing is done by a computer that spins the wheel / tire assembly, senses heavy spots, and gives a location for the technician to apply weight to counter the heavy spots. The best type of balance is a dynamic balance, and this should be performed whenever possible. (Some rim designs will not allow this type of balance and you would have to settle for a static balance)
Called the Interstate Winter IWT-2, the new tyres are produced in China to a European design and intended for European conditions, and to maximise the range's Europe-wide appeal, Interstate will release the Winter IWT-2 in two silica compound variations, a softer compound for Nordic regions and a firmer 'West European' compound.
Being designed with winter conditions in mind, the range feature three-dimensional sipes on both the inner and outer shoulders, and these sipes are laid out in an interlocking format that prevent the sipes from sticking to each other when subjected to lateral forces, thus increasing dry road stability and handling while providing grip in snow and ice conditions. The centre tread is laid out in a v-shaped pattern, which Interstate claims serves to direct water from the tread area into the wide circumferential grooves positioned on either side of the centre tread.
This new range complements Interstate's existing range of summer tyres, the Touring IST-1 and the Sport IXT-1. Eight sizes between and 14 and 17 inches will be included in the initial Interstate Winter IWT-2 lineup.
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