1. Carry the vehicle load

2. Provide driving and braking force

3. Cushion and absorb shocks

4. Steer the vehicle

Because tires perform these four essential functions, a vehicle can travel safely, smoothly, freely, and comfortably even on uneven road surfaces. This is why tires are among the most critical components of an automobile.

1. ISO International Tire Size Marking

250 / 60 R 15 89 H

 • 250 – Tire width (mm)

 • 60 – Aspect ratio

 • R – Radial construction

 • 15 – Rim diameter (inches)

 • 89 – Load index

 • H – Speed rating     

2. DOT Tire Size Marking (United States)

P 195 / 75 R 14 92 S

 • P – Vehicle category (Passenger Car – PC)

 • 195 – Tire width (mm)

 • 75 – Aspect ratio

 • R – Radial construction

 • 14 – Rim diameter (inches)

 • 92 – Load index

 • S – Speed rating

Note:

Aspect ratio refers to the height-to-width ratio of the tire. A lower aspect ratio indicates better performance and higher cost.

1. Bias-Ply Tires are made from multiple layers of crisscrossed cord fabric.They are widely used in trucks and vans in China. A bias-ply tire consists of the tread, carcass, and bead.

2. Radial Tires were invented by Michelin in 1946.

Their construction features cord layers arranged radially from the center of the tire, reinforced with steel belts.

A radial tire consists of the tread, belt, carcass, and bead.

Compared with bias-ply tires, radial tires offer:

 • 50%–100% longer wear life

 • 30% lower rolling resistance

 • 8%–10% fuel savings

 • 10%–20% better traction

 • 50%–70% stronger lateral stability

 • 5× better puncture resistance

However, their sidewall impact resistance is lower than that of bias-ply tires. Rubber content accounts for approximately 49% of the tire, with about 37% rubber additives.Radial tires are now widely used globally over 90% in the U.S. and over 70% in Japan, predominantly in passenger cars.

There are many low-priced, poor-quality tires sold online or at roadside repair shops. We remind all drivers that buying tires means buying safety. Purchasing branded tires not only ensures product quality, but also provides reliable after-sales service — an important factor that must be considered.

Tires are rubber products, and rubber naturally ages over time, whether used or stored. This aging significantly affects tire lifespan and safety.

Therefore, always check the production date when purchasing tires.

You can find a 4-digit code near the rim on the tire sidewall.

 • The first two digits indicate the production week

 • The last two digits indicate the production year

For example, 0110 means the tire was produced in the 1st week of 2010.

How do you know which tire specifications you should buy?

It’s simple — check the original tires on your vehicle.

The tire sidewall clearly marks the size and model. When replacing tires, choose the same specifications and tread pattern as the original ones.

The sidewall also shows seasonal indicators such as WINTER, SUMMER, or ALL SEASON, which represent winter tires, summer tires, and all-season tires.

Users in different regions can select the appropriate type based on local climate conditions.

The main functions of tire tread patterns are anti-slip performance, noise reduction, and improved appearance. Tread designs are created to enhance grip, lower tire noise, improve water drainage and heat dissipation, and increase overall visual appeal.

Tire tread patterns are generally divided into longitudinal patterns, lateral patterns, and combination patterns. Combination tread designs include both longitudinal and lateral grooves, providing fast water evacuation and increased traction for optimal safety performance.

Check frequently for bulges, cracks, cuts, punctures, and abnormal tire wear (especially at the edges of the tread, which may indicate misalignment or low-pressure driving). If any such damage is found, the tire must be inspected immediately by a professional.

Tire rotation is necessary to achieve the best possible wear performance. Follow the tire rotation guidelines provided in the vehicle manufacturer’s manual. If you do not have the manual, it is recommended to rotate your tires every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers.

It is recommended to check tire wear every month. If irregular wear is found, rotate the tires immediately, even if the mileage is less than 8,000 kilometers. At the same time, check wheel alignment or identify other causes of irregular wear.

For directional tires, observe the arrow molded on the tire sidewall during rotation. The arrow indicates the correct rolling direction and must be followed carefully.

If your tires show uneven wear, such as the shoulder wearing faster than the rest of the tread, or if you notice excessive vibration, your vehicle may have poor alignment or imbalance. These conditions shorten tire life, affect handling, and may lead to dangerous situations.

There are tread wear indicators located where the remaining tread depth reaches 1.6mm. Once the tire has worn down to this indicator, it must be replaced. Using tires exceeded the tread wear indicator is dangerous, especially on wet roads, because their water-drainage capability is greatly reduced.

When driving at high speeds (even with correct inflation pressure), the likelihood of tire damage from road hazards is much higher than at low speeds. At high speed, a tire may strike potholes or debris, causing severe compression between the obstacle and the rim flange. This can break the carcass cords, and the internal air pressure will push outward through the damaged area, forming a sidewall bulge.

Always maintain the correct inflation pressure as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Check the tire pressure of all tires — including the spare — at least once a month, and always when the tires are cold.

If pressure drops unusually fast, identify the cause (such as nails, cuts, aging or cracked valve stems).

Before long-distance travel, tire pressure must be checked.

Always measure tire pressure when the tires are fully cooled.