Purchasing commercial truck tires is not an easy undertaking. Many things need to be carefully considered before entering into the buying process. Size and type of tires that are compatible to the vehicle and its detailed description must be considered. Tread that is suitable for the truck should be determined because this can greatly affect the maximum mileage and overall performance of any vehicle.
Necessary Background Information
Before going to a retail store or shopping online for new commercial truck tires, obtaining some simple background knowledge on the type that are needed and/or desired would be beneficial. Here is some information that could prove to be helpful when purchasing this necessary vehicle commodity.
- Know the exact reason for the purchasing of a new set of wheels for the vehicle.
- Establish if an entire set will be changed or if the decision is drive vs. steer.
- Determine the treads that are suitable for the truck. The thickness of the tread can be a good measurement to help decide whether to purchase new ones. If the tread is less than the height of a penny, then it is certainly time to buy a new set.
- Check the speed rating of the current models. This can be done by looking on the sidewall. This speed rating is marked by symbols such as M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W and Y. Each symbol corresponds to a specific speed rating that is essential to know in maintaining the speed capabilities of the vehicle.
- Make all purchases in pairs. They should be replaced on both sides to maintain vehicle balance and stability.
- Purchase the best quality that can be afforded. Good tires can save money in terms of fuel consumption. High quality ones have good treads which can provide better traction for the vehicle. The treads help the wheels run smoothly and give better mileage while on the road which reduces fuel costs.
- Confirm the correct size before buying new ones. The correct size increases the performance capability of a truck. This size can be determined by reviewing the owner’s manual, the placard on the driver’s door or the sidewall of the tire. The internet can also be used to confirm the size that is appropriate for a particular type of vehicle.
- Ascertain the truck’s loading capacity. Knowing the loading capacity of the truck will verify the thickness of the tires that will be needed to hold the maximum possible load.
De-coding the Letter Code on the Sidewall
What you need to know about the important alphanumeric numbers is embossed on the sidewall of your truck tires. As an example, consider: P250/70R20 110T M&S.
P – This letter refers to the Type of Vehicle for which the tires were designed. This size usually begins with P, T, and LT. The letter ‘P’ signifies that this type can be used for passenger vehicles; the letter ‘T’ denotes that it Tcan only be used temporarily such as when changing a flat; and ‘LT’ indicates that it can be used for vehicles that can carry heavy cargo.
250 – This number refers to the tire width in millimeters; for example, the number 250 indicates that it is 250 millimeters from the outer sidewall to the inner sidewall.
70 – This number refers to the Aspect Ratio. The aspect ratio is the relationship between the height and the width of the tire. Given the example above, the height is 70% of the width.
R – This letter refers to the Radial Construction of the carcass plies. A pneumatic wheel version is composed of a carcass ply that provides support under extreme conditions. The carcass ply or main body of the tire is made of thin textile fiber cables bonded into the rubber which determines its strength. This letter can be replaced with D, B or F. Each letter signifies different internal construction of the carcass plies.
20 – These numbers refer to the Wheel Diameter. The number 20 indicates that the tire is designed to fit on a 20-inch diameter rim. This number is expressed in ‘inch rim,’ which are even numbers from 8 – 28. Heavy duty trucks have half-inch rim diameters.
110 – These numbers refer to the Load Index. The load index ranges from 0 – 279 and indicates how much weight the tire is certified to carry at proper inflation pressure. In this example ‘110’ can carry a maximum load of 2,337 pounds.
T – This letter refers to Speed Rating. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which a tire is certified to operate. Speed rating ranges from Q (lowest) to Z (highest), with the exception of light truck versions which are not rated.
M&S – These letters refers to Mud & Snow. This indicates that the tire meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s Standard for a mud and snow type. Variations include: M+S, M/S, and M&S.
The tires that are put on any commercial truck are the only link between that vehicle and the road’s surface. Keep this thought in mind when buying them and don’t let cost be the primary purchase consideration. Investing in quality wheels is always a wise choice for safety reasons. It is also a wise choice for financial reasons since purchasing high performance commercial truck wheels can actually decrease fuel cost and save money. Educate yourself and make a wise investment in commercial truck tires!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Truck Sales.
