How To Evaluate Truck Tires For Sale: Making Sense Of Sidewall Numbers

While consulting with a tire expert is still the best way to evaluate truck tires for sale, there’s plenty that they can tell you on their own, as long as you know how to make sense of their sidewall numbers.

Beyond the brand and models names, the data on a tire sidewall can tell you:

• Where and when the tire was built
• Snow capabilities
• Vehicle type
• Tire width
• Treadwear, traction and temperature grades
• Homologation number
• Radial construction, and much more

Read on to learn a bit more about how to make sense of sidewall numbers and evaluate truck tires for sale, or get in touch with a TIRECRAFT technician near you to start a personalized truck tire consultation.

How To Evaluate Truck Tires For Sale Using Sidewall Numbers

 

1.   Check Truck Tire Size At-A-Glance

Starting from left to right, the first number (in this case, 245), tells you the size of the truck tires in question, measured in millimeters at the widest point. In this example, the tire is 245 millimeters wide. This will allow you to vet tires quickly, without needing to bring a measuring tape into the showroom or ask your tire tech the same questions over and over. Simply check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the appropriate tire size, then look for that same number as you evaluate truck tires for sale.

2.   Assess Tire Fittings And Performance At-A-Glance

Moving left-to-right, the next number after the slash is the truck tire’s aspect ratio, sometimes known as its profile. Aspect ratio is an important sizing calculation in tire fitting, and it can also tell you whether or not you’re looking at a high-performance tire, since these tend to have lower aspect ratios and better lateral stability. Truck tires typically have an aspect ratio closer to 88 percent. The tire pictured above is clearly more of a performance tire, and it’s probably not suitable for a truck.

3.   Determine Whether The Tire Is Radial Or Bias Ply

Moving one character to the right, we see an “R,” which indicates that the tire pictured above is a radial tire.

Most tire experts would recommend radial truck tires, since they’re just plain easier to drive and control, especially during emergency maneuvering situations, and they’re often better on gas, thanks to their lower rolling resistance and reduced heat buildup.

Browse All The Best Truck Tires For Sale: Contact Your Local TIRECRAFT

There’s plenty more you can learn by studying truck tire sidewalls, and our ASE-certified tire tech would be happy to show you. Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to learn more and get started with a personalized truck tire needs assessment.

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