Looking for something specific? Check out these posts featuring 'Tire Calculators.'
It's a very common question -- what is the speed rating on my tires? And of course, what does that mean? The practice of branding a speed rating on tires began in Germany, where some highways don't have speed limits, as a way to ensure the speed capability of the tires were matched with the top...
For handling-oriented track & competition fitments, Tire Rack recommends mounting tires on the widest rim width approved by the tire manufacturer (and permitted by competition class rules). However, we also recognize that rules for stock, spec, or other autocross/racing classes often...
Revolutions Per Mile Revolutions per mile indicates the number of times a tire revolves while it covers the distance of one mile. Depending on the tire manufacturer, revolutions per mile may be either measured in a laboratory or derived from calculations based on their previous test...
Measuring Rim Width The measuring rim width is the industry standardized rim width upon which the tire must be mounted in order to confirm it meets its dimensional targets. Because the width of the rim will influence the width of the tire, a standard rim width for every tire size is assigned...
Much like your foot can sometimes fit in a half size up or down shoe, tires have a range of rim widths they can be mounted on while still performing as designed. Likewise, similarly to how a person typically knows their "shoe size," tires have a measuring rim width from which the tire’s...
Tread Depth Tread depth is a vertical measurement between the top of the tread rubber to the bottom of the tire's deepest grooves. In the United States, tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. Because it is difficult to accurately measure tread depth with a ruler, tread depth is best...
New Tires Generate More Rolling Resistance Than Worn Tires It's been observed that rolling resistance drops by about 20%, as a tread wears from its original molded depth to worn. While this reduction in rolling resistance over time is subtle, a switch from worn tires to a new set increase...
Tire rolling resistance is defined as the force required to maintain the forward movement of a loaded pneumatic tire in a straight line at a constant speed. And just like the laws of physics and forces of nature, it is an obstacle every vehicle has to overcome to transport passengers and cargo...
Driving at high speeds certainly helps make a trip go faster; just ask any driver who has gone "flat out" on the German Autobahn. However, with the exception of events like the Silver State Classic's Open Road Rally or a driver's school on a racetrack, it's difficult to find a place that allows...
Below are some of the mathematical formulas used to answer commonly asked questions concerning fitments of light truck tires. How much extra ground clearance under the axles will be provided? or How much will it raise the vehicle's center of gravity? (New Tire Diameter-Original Tire...
Installing tires that are larger or smaller than what came O.E. (original equipment) is often an attractive way to enhance performance or style. However, most vehicles' speedometers measure speed based on tire revolutions - calculated from the original tires' size. So, changing the tires'...
Regardless of its size, every tire's load capacity, durability, traction and handling is dependent on using the right inflation pressure for the application. Since both too little and too much inflation pressure sacrifices some of the tires' performance, maintaining the "right" inflation...
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