Tyres are arguably the most essential components of any automobile. Investing in a proper set of tyres will give you some peace of mind and save you a lot of costs in the long run. This article explores everything you need to know about car tyre sizes in Kenya.
How Do I Check Tyre Sizes?
Knowing your car tyre sizes is essential, otherwise, you might end up buying the wrong one. Tyre sizes are typically moulded on the tyre’s sidewall. The information is usually in form of a sequence of numbers and figures. Also, car manufacturers provide detailed information concerning the ideal tyre size to use. This can be found in your car manual. We recommend confirming whether you have varying sizes for your front and rear tyres.
If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your vehicle tyres, understanding how to interpret tyre specifications can help to make the process a little simple. So, how do you interpret the sequence? As you might have noticed, the sequence is split into distinct parts, each with specific information concerning the tyre features. This sequence is standard for most tyre manufacturers:
- SECTION WIDTH: This specifies the tyre width in millimetres.
- ASPECT RATIO OR PROFILE: The ratio of the tyre’s width to height. This is usually a percentage. Tyre’s construction type
- RIM DIAMETER: the rim diameter to which the tyre should be fitted to, indicated in inches.
- LOAD INDEX: This indicates the maximum weight that each tyre can support.
- SPEED RATINGS ranging from A (lowest) to Y (highest): Indicates the highest safe speed at which a car tyre is certified to carry a load.
When buying car tyres online in Kenya, you can request your supplier to send you a picture of the sequence in order to confirm you are buying the correct tyre sizes.
Low Profile Tyres
Low-profile tyres have different aspect ratios to regular tyres. They have shorter side walls and are proven to provide enhanced road-holding and grip, especially when cornering. In addition, they are great for aesthetics as they improve the look of your vehicle. Low profile tyres typically have an aspect ratio of 50 or less.
That being said, low profiles have some drawbacks. They are typically more expensive than regular tyres. Also, the tyres are less comfortable to drive on, especially when driving on bumpy roads. Low-profile tyres are therefore not common in Kenya.
Truck & Bus Tyre Sizes
DESIGNATION: 11 R 22.5 148/145 L
Truck & Bus tyre size designation can be found on a tyre sidewall, a tyre width expressed in mm and the tyre width expressed in inches. The tyre width expressed in mm.
All tyres for commercial vehicles must be marked with a service description, usually indicated after the size designation. The service description consists of load index and speed rating (e.g. 156/150 L).
Listed below are a few examples of truck/bus tyre size designations:
- 11: The tyre width expressed in inches.
- R: The construction code (the radial construction).
- 22.5: The rim diameter in inches.
- 148/145: The load index for single and dual fitment.
- L: The speed rating – the tyre’s maximum speed.
Agriculture and Industrial Tyres
Written only in inches, the old agricultural tyre markings are composed of a series of numbers with a letter or hyphen in the middle: For Example:
- 12.4 – 28
- 12.4 X 28
- 16.9 D 30 or 14 D 30
- 16.9 R 30
“12.4” “14” and “16.9”: the first numbers indicate the width of the tyre in inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm).
“-” ”X” and “D” diagonal structure.
“R”: radial structure.
“30” and “28”: the last numbers indicate the diameter of the rim in inches.
The New ETRTO Markings (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization)
The new European ETRTO markings are easier to read and comprise a series of numbers, a slash, and some letters: For example:
Tyre Size 710/70 R38
“700”: the first numbers indicate the tire’s width in millimetres.
“70”: the numbers after the slash represent the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width
(aspect ratio or profile). 65% of 600 mm = 390 mm. The higher the number, the higher the sidewall.
“R”: radial structure.“38”: the last numbers correspond to the width of the rim in inches.
Final Thoughts
As a reputable car tyre supplier in Kenya, Autoways Tyres Kenya Limited is always at your service in case you need further information regarding tyre brands, types, and sizes. If you are looking for a tyre delivery service in Kenya, then you’re in the right place!
Autoways Tyres Kenya Ltd stocks a full selection of tyre brands and models to suit different budgets and customer needs. In case are not sure about the most ideal tyre models and sizes for your vehicle, then we will offer expert advice to help you make more informed decisions.
Buy your tyres of choice online, and we will deliver them in no time. Hassle-free, fast, and convenient! Our tyre prices are very competitive, so you don’t have to break the bank. Also, we offer additional tyre services like normal alignment, castor & camber alignment, and balancing to ensure the utmost customer satisfaction.
