it should choose the type of tires you chooseSearching for replacement tires or buying online can be a minefield of confusion of terminology and technical terms. It can all be a bit overwhelming, and you might feel too embarrassed. Ask for an explanation at a garage in person. Do not be afraid! Here are the most common technical terms, explained in language everyone can understand:
Aspect Ratio – This means the difference between the width. The tire and the height of the sidewall (which, as you might expect, is the sidewall of the tire). The higher the ratio, the ‘higher’ the band is. A higher aspect ratio provides a smoother ride and better grip on snow. A lower aspect ratio usually comes with ‘low profile’ that can be used on high performance cars. They have excellent handling and grip, but can also give you a tougher ride.
Contact patch – The contact patch is the small part of your tire’s tread. That actually makes contact with the road at all times. Sport tires are much wider, so have a larger contact patch, which gives them extra cornering grip and faster acceleration.
Small tires
Tread Indicators – Also known as ‘wear bars. These are the small tires or ‘bridges’ that go between the tread of your tire. When your tread wears out, they become visible, giving you a visual indication that your tires need to be replaced.
Speed Rating – If you look on the sidewall of your tire, you will see a whole. Series of symbols and numbers. The speed rating is the letter usually found at the end of this. Data and refers to the maximum speed your tire can handle. Most current family car models have a speed rating.Allowing for top speeds between 112 and 118 mph. High-performance cars can have higher ratings. Such as V or ZR (allowing speeds up to and above 149 mph).
Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit – A bit of a mouthful. But all this means the maximum load the tires can carry and the maximum air pressure needed to support it. This information (your recommended cold inflation limit) should be in your vehicle’s manual. Overloading your vehicle and/or under-inflating/over-inflating can be dangerous and affect the handling of your car.
Good Tyres
The ‘cold’ aspect of the terminology refers to the fact that you should always check your tire pressure when your tires are cold. If you check them too soon after driving, when they are hot, it means you will get a wrong reading because heat will increase the pressure in the tire.
Load Index – The load index is the load-carrying capacity of the tire. Try to use tires with a similar load-carrying capacity to the tires supplied with the vehicle, or the index recommended in your vehicle’s manual. The higher the number, the greater the load it can carry.
Radial and Bias-ply tires The difference between these two types of tires comes down to the way the cords or ‘layers’ are laid in the tire. Radial are found on most modern cars because they are more fuel efficient and offer good handling and heat dissipation. However, you can find bias ply on vintage/older vehicles, or on some RVs. You should never combine radial and diagonal tires on the same vehicle as this will dangerously affect your handling.
Spare tires
Temporary use tires – Often known as ‘space saver’ tires, these are smaller spare tires than normal spare that are meant to fit easily under your chassis or trunk in the event of a puncture. They are also easier to handle than regular sized However, most space savers are not intended to be used at speeds over 55 mph and are only intended to get you off the road to a garage so you can fit a good replacement tire.
Tread, traction and temperature ratings – These are ratings to provide information about the average life of your tire and its ability to stop on wet surfaces and dissipate heat. The tread wear rating – a three-digit number – gives you an idea of how long your tire will last, although it also depends on the type of driving style you have and the mileage you put on it. The traction values range from AA to C, with C being a ‘marginal’ grade. Always make sure your tires have the minimum traction rating recommended for your vehicle. And finally, temperature ratings (from A to C) refer to the tire’s ability to dissipate heat under load. A lower rating indicates a lower heat capacity and means the tire is more likely to suffer heat-induced failure.
Motorcycle tires
Choosing the correct tires for your motorcycle is of the utmost importance, but even for long-term motorcycle owners it can be a challenge, especially with the overwhelming variety of tires available. So what should you look for when shopping for new motorcycle tyres for sale.
driving style
When you want to replace your motorcycle tires, the first question to ask yourself is; What do I use my motorcycle for? How and where you drive should be important considerations when choosing to ensure that you get the most suitable tires for your intended purpose and that you use all of their key features. For example, if you ride a lot of long distances, you need a tire with high resistance. A specially sport or track tire might not provide the extras it promises if your riding style is for long distances and would therefore be on your bike.
Engine Model
engine model
While it may seem obvious to some riders that I should choose the type of tires you choose with your particular bike in mind, others may not realize how important this is. Different come in many different sizes, so there are likely to be many tires that will fit your bike. However, a tire has to fit a motorcycle in more ways than just size. Tires undergo rigorous testing by their manufacturers, but they will only test them on suitable motorcycles. It is possible that a particular tire has not and therefore on your particular bike model, so it is advisable to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. Even if a tire passes all the ratings, if it’s not right for your bike, it won’t work for you.
motorcycle tire maintenance
As with all tires, checking tire pressure is essential for motorcycle tires and ideally, motorcyclists should check tire pressure once a week. This may seem a bit tricky, but it doesn’t take long and it’s in the rider’s best interest to get into a good routine. Maintaining the correct level of tire pressure is safer and more profitable. Tires with run flat tires are less fuel efficient, have reduced stability, have delayed steering response and have less grip in wet conditions because the tread grooves close up.
In addition to tire pressure, motorcyclists should also keep a close eye on the overall condition of their tires. Cuts, cracks, bulges, or embedded objects require specialist attention, so if you notice signs of damage to your tires, have them repaired or replaced immediately. Driving at high speeds with tires can lead to a fatal accident, so no matter how minor the damage may seem, it’s always worth having it out by a professional.
There are tire companies that specialize in all types of motorcycle tires and will always make sure you get the right tires for your motorcycle and your needs. They have tires in many sizes and brands and cover all bases catering to different riding styles and motorcycle models.
