Through DriveSpark Tyres Database, finding the right tyre of your vehicle has been made much simpler. Select any of the leading brands shown and browse through all the tyre models coming under them. The database also shows the latest price, the type and the size of each tyre model. If you do not know how to determine the dimensions of your vehicle’s tyre, simply refer the given infographics.
Believe it or not, experts say that tyres are the most important part of an automobile. They are the only points of contact between the vehicle and the road. If the tyre has a smooth contact patch, the vehicle will face lesser friction (hence more mileage), but lower braking efficiency. If the tyre has thick tread patterns, the vehicle will offer superior grip, but friction to be overcome would be high (less mileage). The right tyre gives a good balance between the two.
If the tyre treads have worn out or show uneven patterns, it is time to change the tyre. You can use a one rupee coin to test out the tyre condition. Insert the coin into one groove of the tyre tread and note the point to which it is covered. Place the same coin on another groove at different part of the tyre. If the coin is covered till the same point as before, your tyre is good to go. If it’s not, the tyre has uneven wear. If the coin doesn’t sink much into a tread groove, it is time to replace the tyre.
Some of us still do not know the difference between the two. The wheel is the part of the car which rotates due to a drive-shaft connected to the engine. Tyres are rubber compounds which provide the grip to the wheels; hence transforming rotational motion into the vehicle’s horizontal movement.
Upsizing a car tyre can be done, but only up to a certain limit; recommended as 2% more than the original. Manufacturers provide a specific tyre size taking factors such as comfort, performance and fuel efficiency in mind. If you wish to change the wheels and tyres, there are some ‘proper-upsizing’ factors to be considered. Suppose if a tyre size is 195/65 R14, it can be upsized to 205/50 R15 without much compromise in any parameter. Improper upsizing would lead to faulty odometer and speedometer readings too.
Aspect ratio is the number which denotes what the height of the tyre is, when compared to its width (wall height). Or, it is the percentage of tyre width compared to the tyre wall. Higher the value, thinner and wider will be the tyre. Suppose if the tyre size is 215/65 R16, the ‘65’ is the tyre’s Aspect Ratio.
It is simply the value that denotes the maximum load/weight a tyre can carry. Higher the number, higher the load capacity of the tyre. Load Rating or Index is specified for a particular tyre inflation pressure.
Denoted by various alphabets, the Speed Rating of a tyre denotes the maximum speed of the vehicle, a tyre can withstand. The withstandable speed increases from values of ‘A’ to ‘Z’.
If a tyre is made entirely out of rubber, it cannot withstand high levels of temperature and shocks on a road surface; hence leading to faster wear. Air in tyres cushions the ride by deforming more quickly and efficiently upon contact with various road conditions. Air also helps reduce the tyre temperature that arises due to friction. It also reduces the contact friction.
Since a flat tyre contacts a larger surface on the ground, the friction needed to overcome by the car increases. This causes reduced performance and higher fuel consumption. The friction also increases tyre temperature and wear, ultimately causing more damage to the tyres and wheels.
The black colour is caused by a material called ‘carbon black’, present in the rubber compound. Carbon black provides better resistance to heat and wear. Meanwhile, natural rubber is off-white in colour.
It is the method of interchanging wheels on a car, so that the tyres wear off evenly. Suppose if the left front tyre is more worn than the rear tyres, it can be interchanged with each other. There is a specific pattern for interchanging the wheels or tyres. The spare tyre (if full-size) is also involved in tyre rotation.
It is the process of ensuring equal weight-distribution on a wheel. Uneven weight-distribution makes uneven wear on the tyre surface. The wheel is balanced by adding ‘weights’ or metal beads on the rim. Static Balancing is done while the wheel is stationary. If the wheel is rotated while balancing, it is called Dynamic Balancing.
It is the process of ensuring that all the wheels are aligned and parallel to one another. Unaligned wheels cause the vehicle to drift or move away to a side when you take your hands off the steering. A vehicle with proper alignment done, will go straight even when you leave the steering wheel on its own.