The Experts at Hooper’s Tire Outlet Explain

Tire technology today has a unique blend of physics, chemistry, and engineering. As a result, consumers can enjoy a great deal of comfort, impressive performance, fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety. 

Every tire you buy has been carefully inspected; they have been x-rayed, cut up & examined, and tested on the road for handling evaluations, traction, and mileage. 

When cared for properly, car tires will last 40,000 to 80,000 miles (depending on the application). 

So what makes up a tire and what does each component do? Here is a breakdown:

  • Tread - the tread of the tire provides gripping around corners, along with traction

  • Belts - the belts strengthen the tread and provide stabilization

  • Sidewall - the sidewall acts as protection from road and curb damage

  • Body Ply - body ply gives the tire its flexibility and strength

  • Bead - the bead provides an airtight fit with the wheel

  • Innerliner - this keeps the air inside the tire

There is helpful information on the side of the tire that can answer any questions you may have. For instance, there may be a long number such as P215/65R16 95H M+S. Let’s break this down.

  • P - passenger

  • 215 - width of the tire in millimeters

  • 65 - the ratio of height to width

  • R - radial

  • 16 - rim diameter code

  • 95 - load index

  • H - speed rating

  • M+S - This means the tire meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) standards for use in snowy conditions (may also be shown with a mountain/snowflake symbol). 

Other information available on some tires is:

  • Maximum load capacity is shown either in kilograms and/or pounds

  • Maximum pressure is in kilopascals or pounds per square inch

  • Type of cord and number of plies

  • “DOT” which certifies compliance with all safety standards that have been established by the Department of Transportation

  • Tire identification or serial number, 12 digits that consist of numbers and letters, with the last characters identifying the week and year of manufacturing. For instance, if it reads 1721, that would mean it was manufactured in the seventeenth week of 2021.

Always check your vehicle manual when it’s time to replace your tires. You want to ensure proper size and speed rating when required. Also note that speed ratings on tires do not give you the green light to drive at high speeds, especially in bad weather and treacherous road conditions. 

Hooper's Tire Outlet is here for all your tire needs. Our experts in Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY will guide you through the tire-buying process so you can be sure your car is safe on the road.