TIRE IDENTIFICATION

Reading A Sidewall
The side of a tire is, in effect, an owner's manual. It contains information needed for your safety. The designations and classifications that appear on it identify everything from common dimensions to standard test identification numbers.

Aspect Ratio
Because the aspect ratio of a tire is part of most sizing systems, it is important to know what it is and what it means to a customer before you read on. A tire's aspect ratio is the dimensional relationship of the tire's section height to section width expressed as a percentage. The lower the aspect ratio, the shorter the sidewall, and in most cases, the quicker the steering response. When the aspect ratio appears in the sizing of a tire, it precedes the tire construction designation, except in the Alpha-Numeric system.