Tires for trucks and all types of heavy machines must be of very high quality and resistance. These types of tires are designed according to specific standards to be able to bear very high weight and show good resistance against any damage in harsh weather conditions and difficult roads.
Familiarizing with truck tire specifications helps drivers to choose the best and most appropriate type of tire according to the weather and road conditions and drive smoothly.
What are the technical specifications of truck tires?
One of the most common mistakes when buying and changing truck tires is not paying attention to the size and technical specifications of the tire. Truck tire specifications are written on the sidewall of the tire, which provides consumers with detailed information on the tire’s capabilities.
For example, for a tire with the specification M+S P/LT 225/65 R 17 102 T, the following information can be obtained: (from left to right)
M+S: indicates that the tire in question is suitable for driving in all seasons.
P/LT: specifies the type of tire; If the letter P is the first from the left, it means a riding tire, and if the tire code starts with LT, it means that the tire is suitable for SUVs, light trucks and pickup trucks. Also, instead of P or LT, the tire code may start with the letters ST, which indicates that the tire is suitable for special trailers.
The importance of knowing the technical specifications and size of truck tires
One of the most important factors that improve truck performance is its tire specifications. For this reason, you should pay great attention to the specifications of your truck tires. On the other hand, paying attention to the truck tire specification table allows you to know all the letters and numbers used in the tire and to be able to choose the most suitable tire for your needs.
Considering this issue, it doesn’t matter much if you want to drive on the highway or if you intend to drive in off-road places. In any situation, you should make sure that the specifications of the truck tires you are looking for are based on your needs and can make driving enjoyable for you by increasing safety. By choosing a suitable tire, you can perform better while driving and control the car better in critical situations.
Don’t forget that many factors such as truck specifications, weather conditions, cargo capacity, ground and road conditions, and even driving needs can influence the selection and determination of truck tire specifications. In this section, we have explained the most important reasons that you should pay attention to in the truck tire specification table.
- Volume and weight of the load: A large part of the weight of the load is supported by the truck tire, and for this reason, you should choose a tire that can support the maximum weight.
- Control and stability during towing: If you have chosen a tire suitable for your truck, you will have more control and stability during towing. As a result, the probability of the truck skidding is greatly reduced.
- High strength and durability: Since trucks are moving on different roads, choosing a right tire will make them have higher strength and durability in different conditions. Especially if you plan to drive on dangerous roads, make sure that the tires you choose have enough tread.
- High resistance to heat and heat: In addition to hot air, the friction between the road and the tire causes the truck tires to get very hot and there is a possibility of bursting. Meanwhile, if you choose high-quality tires with the right size, this probability will be as low as possible.
- Matching Tires: Finally, the last factor that is important in choosing truck tire specifications is matching tires. If there is even a slight difference in the size and tread of the tires, you may not be able to control the truck properly and your chances of an accident will increase.
Numerical characteristics after the tire code
- From left 225: This number indicates the width of the treaded part of the tire (from range C to range A) and the amount of stretch of the tire in millimeters.
- 65: This number specifies the ratio of the tire (ratio of height to width).
- R: means Radial or Radial Construction, which specifies the type of tire construction.
- 17: indicates the diameter of the rim tire in inches.
- 102: It shows the load range of the tire and the amount of load on the tire. (The higher this number, the better)
T determines the speed range of the tire:
- If the letter is S: 112 mph or 180 km/h
- If the letter is T: 118 mph or 190 km/h
- If the letter is U: 124 mph or 200 km/h
- If the letter is H: 130 mph or 190 km/h
- If the letter is V: 149 mph or 210 km/h
- If the letter is Z*: more than 149 mph or more than 210 km/h
- If the letter is W: 168 mph or 270 km/h
- If the letter is Y: 186 mph or 300 km/h
- If the letter is Y*: more than 186 mph or more than 300 km/h
Types and specifications of truck tires
Today, there are different types of truck tires in the market, each of which is specifically designed with different characteristics, depending on the type of truck and transportation conditions. Each type of truck tires has specific technical information that by checking this information, you can get the best and most suitable tire.
In general, tires are designed in the following 5 categories:
1. All terrain tires
All-terrain tires are among the types of tires suitable for all seasons and can well meet the needs of drivers at any time of the year. This type of tire is very suitable for trucks and all types of buses when crossing sandy and dirt tracks, and also provides smooth and quiet driving on paved roads.
The complete balance of this type of tire on asphalted surfaces, as well as using the same capabilities as off-road tires, has made this type of tire an ideal choice for all types of trucks.
2. Off-road tires
The capabilities and characteristics of off-road truck and bus tires have made these types of tires very popular for road trips among professional drivers. But one of the problems of using off-road tires is their high noise while driving, although the special treads of this type of tire can reduce the annoying noise to some extent.
But the noise of off-road tires is considered a not so important problem compared to its advantages. Off-road tires are very suitable for traveling on rough roads, dirt and stone paths. This type of tire has shown a very high resistance to damage and punctures, and it is considered a very suitable option for people who want to cross non-asphalt roads.
Although off-road tires are designed for rough roads and all seasons, they are not suitable for city driving and crossing paved roads, so it is better to use this type of tire only for road trips.
3. Heavy tires
Heavy type tires are considered one of the best and most practical types of truck and bus tires, and since they are designed for heavy transportation capacity and high weight bearing, they are very suitable for business trips.
All types of heavy trucks, trailers, semi-trucks and compressor trucks can also benefit from heavy-duty tires. The high durability and long life of these types of tires, as well as providing smooth driving on paved roads, have made them a suitable option for drivers.
4. Winter tire specifications
As the name of this type of tires suggests, winter tires are designed for cold and snowy weather conditions. Resistance to freezing and providing proper traction to pass through snowy roads are the characteristics of winter truck tires.
On the surface of winter tires, studs are made, which makes it possible to easily pass through ice on the road without reducing the power of the tire. As you can see, this type of tire is suitable for drivers who are constantly traveling on slippery roads and tracks in cold and snowy weather and are looking for a suitable and resistant option.
5. Mud tires
This type of tire is recommended for drivers who have to cross roads full of mud. Of course, due to the special design of this type of tire, mud tires are not recommended for buses, because it is very rare for buses to travel on such routes.
Special mud and mud tires are equipped with special blocks and slots that easily pass the mud and prevent it from getting stuck in the tire’s tread, and as a result, the truck easily passes through the sand and is an obstacle for It will not move.
These blocks and gaps for mud tires make these types of tires not suitable for driving on asphalt roads.
What is the tire size of a heavy car?
As we mentioned in the technical specifications section of truck tires, tire size is considered one of the most important characteristics of truck tires and it is necessary to pay attention to it when buying or replacing tires. In European and American countries, wire or radial tires are often used, which have a more advanced design and a longer lifespan than bias or cotton tires in our country.
Heavy car tire size 12 and 24 are among the most used tire sizes. Also, among other common truck and bus tire sizes, the following can be mentioned:
- 12.00R24
- 12.00R20
- 265/70R19.5
- 275/70R22.5
- 315/80R22.5
- 385/65R22.5
- 12.00R22.5
- 445/65R22.5
Important points in choosing truck tires
Among the most important points that you should pay attention to when buying or changing truck tires, the following can be mentioned:
- Detailed examination of truck tire specifications
- Pay attention to the appropriate tire size for heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks
- Paying attention to the amount of tire support for the weight of the truck load
- Attention to the amount of tire tension
- Checking the tire tread (the tire tread must be sufficient, otherwise the tire will wear out quickly)
- The higher the friction and adhesion of the tire, the better it will perform
Final word
There are different types of truck tires in the market, each of which is designed for specific conditions. Getting to know the types of truck tires and how to check truck tire specifications will help drivers to choose the best tire.
