How to Reading a MUD TIRE

All Mud Tires are required to have certain information molded into the side of the tire in a location known as the sidewall. Some of the information is self explanatory while other information requires a little knowledge to decipher. The following will help you understand what this information means.

MUD TIRE Type - This Defines the intended proper use of the tire. P indicates this is a passenger car tire while LT indicates the tire would be for a light truck with a heavier load rating.

MUD TIRE Width - This is the width of the tire measured in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. An example might be 215 representing 215 millimeters.

Aspect Ratio - This is the the ratio of the height of the tire's cross-section to its width. An example of this might be 65, which means that the height is equal to 65% of the tire's width. To calculate the aspect ratio, multiple the first number (e.g. 215) by the second number with a decimal before the number (e.g. .65). Using the example numbers the tires aspect ratio would calculate as 215x.65=139.75 where 139.75 is the tires height in millimeters. This is the height of the rubber from rim to tread on one side of the tire.

To convert the aspect ratio to a full tire height in inches, do this:
Convert the above calculated tire height (aspect ratio) in millimeters to inches by multiplying the millimeters by .03937 (139.75 x .03937 = 5.5 inches). Then take the inches and multiply by two and add the rim size. Example: 5.5 x 2 + 15 (rim size in inches) = a 26 inch tall tire.

Wheel Diameter - This is the width of the opening in the tire where it would be mounted to a wheel. This is measured from one bead across the opening to the other side of the same bead. This measurement is in inches and an example would be 15 and indicates that this tire is for a 15 inch rim, or wheel.

Load Index - This is a number corresponds to the maximum load in pounds that a tire can support when properly inflated. You will also find the maximum load in pounds and in kilograms molded elsewhere on the tire sidewall.

Speed Rating - This is a number that corresponds to the maximum service speed for a tire. See Chart for ratings. Note: Speed ratings are specific for passenger car tires and not light truck tires. Light truck tires (LT) are not speed rated.

Rating	Maximum Speed
Q	99 mph
S	112 mph
T	118 mph
U	124 mph
H	130 mph
V	149 mph
W	168 mph
Y	186 mph
Z	Above 149 mph
Disclaimer for the common sense challenged: Please note that this rating relates only to tire speed capability based on tire tires limits, and is NOT a recommendation to exceed legally posted speed limits; always drive within the legal speed limits.

PSI — Pounds per square inch - used to measure air pressure in a tire. The PSI rating on tires is typically the maximum recommended tire pressure for that tire. Tire pressure should always be checked periodically and when the tires are cold. Under normal operation, tires can lose approximately 1 PSI of pressure every month. For every 10 degree change in ambient temperature, tire pressure can change by approximately 1 PSI.

DOT - This means the tire is compliant with all applicable safety standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Adjacent to this is a tire identification or serial number; a combination of numbers and letters with up to 12 digits.

UTQG - This stands for Uniform Tire Quality Grading, which is a quality rating system developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The DOT requires the manufacturers to grade passenger car tires based on three performance factors: tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. Note: snow tires are exempt from the UTOG rating system.

Tread Wear

Greater than	100	Better
	100	Baseline
Less than	100	Poorer

The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test track. A tire graded 200 would wear twice as long on the government test track as one graded 100. Your actual tire mileage depends upon the conditions on which they are used and will vary with driving habits, service practices (alignments, proper air pressure, etc), differences in road characteristics and climate. Note: Tread wear grades are valid only for comparisons within a manufacturer's product line. They are not valid for comparisons between manufacturers.

Traction

A	Best
B	Intermediate
C	Acceptable

Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. The Traction grade is based upon "straight ahead" braking tests; it does not indicate cornering ability.

Temperature

A	Best
B	Intermediate
C	Acceptable

The temperature grades represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperatures can cause the materials of the tire to degenerate and thus reduce tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to tire failure. Federal law requires that all tires meet at least the minimal requirements of Grade C.

Light truck size designation using aspect ratio

LT 255/85B16

· LT = Light truck tire

· 255 = Approximate cross section width in millimeters

· 85 = Aspect ratio (height to width)

· B = Bias ply construction (R = Radial construction)

· 16 = Rim diameter in inches

Light truck size designation using inches

33x12.50R15 LT

· 33 = Approximate diameter in inches

· 12.50 = Approximate cross section width in inches

· R = Radial construction (B = bias ply construction)

· 15 = Rim diameter in inches

· LT = Light truck tire

What is a Radial Tire?

The simple definition of a Radial type tire: The radial is a type of tire that is constructed with rubber coated, reinforcing steel cable belts that are assembled parallel and run from side to side, bead to bead at an angle of 90 degrees to the circumferential centerline of the tire. (As opposed to the 30 degree alternating application lengthwise as in bias ply tires). This makes the tire more flexible which reduces rolling resistance to improve fuel economy. Then numerous rubber coated steel belts are then constructed into the "crown" of the tire under the tread to form a strong stable two-stage unit.

Performance and purpose of Radial tires

Radial tires are the preferred tire of choice in most applications for several key reasons.

• The combination of steel stabilizing belts in the single-layer radial casing allows the tread and sidewall to act independently. The sidewall flexes more easily under the weight of the vehicle and its cargo, while the tank-track type tread provides even contact with the ground. Greater vertical deflection is achieved with radial tires. This is desirable because extreme flexing greatly increases resistance to punctures.
• To increase a radial tire's strength, larger diameter steel cables are used. Larger steel cables can help reduce punctures, tears and flats. Larger steel cables also help distribute heat, resulting in a cooler running tire and improving fuel economy. Unlike bias ply tires larger steel cables have little negative affect on performance.
• The parallel stabilizing steel belts of the radial minimize tread distortion. As the sidewalls flexes under load, the belts hold the tread firmly and evenly on the ground or object and thus minimizing tread scrub and greatly increasing tread life.
• When cornering the independent action of the tread and sidewalls keeps the tread flat on the road. This allows the tire to hold to its path.
• When offroad, the radial tire's stabilizing steel belt design aids in greater traction by holding the tread evenly over obstacles allowing the tread of the tire to have a better chance of finding traction.

What is a bias ply tire?

There are two basic types of tire construction that mud, all terrain and street tires use as their foundation. They are bias-ply and radial designs. Each type of tire construction has its own unique set of characteristics that are the key to its performance, whether on road or off road and these characteristics can help to define the purpose of the tire. The following information will explain what identifies the difference between a bias ply tire and a radial type tire. BIAS PLY The simple definition of a Bias Ply Tire: The bias ply tire construction utilizing rubber-coated layers known as plies composed of textile cords, usually nylon and sometimes Kevlar. The plies layered diagonal from one bead to the other bead at about a 30 degree angle. One ply is set on a bias in one direction as succeeding plies are set alternately in opposing directions as they cross each other and the ends are wrapped around the bead wires, anchoring them to the rim of the wheel. The layers of plies are them covered with more rubber to form the tread of the tire. Bias ply tires are sometimes called cross-ply tires. Performance and Purpose of a Bias Ply Bias ply tires have a limited purpose in life and are only used for specific purposes or jobs. The reason for this is because of its performance characteristics. However for some jobs the bias ply tire is an idea tire for the purpose such as for the tires of a towed trailer, farm equipment tires, some purpose built tires like extreme terrain tires and some forms of racing still use bias ply tires. The reasons for this limited use are: The bias-ply tire casing is constructed to form one working unit. When the sidewalls deflect or bend under load, the tread squeezes in and distorts. The distortion affects the tires footprint and can decrease traction and increases wear depending on the terrain. The tread distortion also causes abrasion from the ground surface, which reduces the life of the tire. These factors are why bias ply tires are not idea for passenger car tires or as tires that my see highway use unless used as tires for a towed trailer. Bias Ply Strength - The way to increase the strength of bias-ply tires is by increasing the number of plies and bead wires. More plies means more mass which, increasing heat retention and reducing tire life. Because of the bias ply inherent construction, sidewall strength is less than that of a radial tire's construction and cornering is significantly less effective. This is probably one of the main reasons bias ply tires are not used for passenger cars and trucks. However because of the bias ply construction and inherent strength of a properly inflated tire, the bias ply is idea for straight line towing.

What are Mud Terrain Tires?

Mud Terrain Tires - MUD TIRES or MT (Mud Terrain) are as you might have gathered from the name, designed to perform most specifically in the mud. But when you look at the tread design of many mud tires, they generally perform well in other conditions such as on the rocks, in deeper snow, as well as in loose gravel and in the softer, constantly changing terrain of wooded trails. This is because mud tires are usually designed from a softer compound with wider gaps (voids) between the lugs, which grab onto anything it can hook one of its lug edges around, especially when aired down. Tread designs typically are what make or break a mud tire and vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. Drawbacks of the MT Mud Terrain tire are they perform poorly on the highway especially in the rain where the wide lug pattern results in less of a tire footprint on the road. Even worse, the MT can be downright dangerous in icy conditions. Mud tires also tend to wear quicker than an all terrain or a street tire and depending on your perspective, the on-highway noise level can be considerably higher especially after they wear down with highway use.

Choose The Right Tires make your safety Ride In Mire

tires are the #1 feature of your car or truck when it comes to improving your ride. It is important to make the right choice for your mud tires, and maintain them so they last for a long time. Whether if you own a 4x4 or 2x4 offroad car, or other make a smart offroad cars owner knows that a truck's tires have a huge impact on performance. Before you choose the best mud tire for your offroad car or truck it is essential to understand the terms of the tire world. Rest assured that the following information will lead you to the best set of mud tires for your car.

Things to Know the tire Example the Tires are specified in the form 285/70TR/17. The first number is the width of the mud tire, the second number is the aspect ratio or height of the sidewall, and the third number is the wheel diameter or rim size. The height of your sidewall is important and should be chosen based on the conditions where you drive your car most often. If you only drive on the the street then a low profile truck or car tire will be fine, but if you go off-roading then you are going to want more tire in between your rim and the ground. That way you won't bottom out on your rims when your tires encounter rough objects off the road.

Wider tires have more contact area with the ground, thus giving your truck a better grip, both on and off road. Your offroad car's handling becomes easier because of the bigger tire width. On the other hand, the same wider mud tire will make more noise and may decrease the fuel efficiency of your light or heavy duty truck. Wider mud tires can also slip more when it rains. The size of your rim is a personal preference. Popular today are the larger sized rims. Just make sure that the rim and mud tire you choose will fit inside the wheel well of your car. The Wheel Rim Width varies from truck to truck or offroad car. It can be custom made to suit both your on and off road driving conditions. The wheel rim width is rounded off to the nearest half-inch of the tire. Usually, the best choice is to have the rim width at about 90% of the tread width of your mud tire. Mud Tire Maintenance The most important safety aspect of maintenance on your car is to keep its mud tires intact and in good shape. A blown tire can cause an accident in an instant. The number one cause of the tire wear and tear is incorrect tire pressure. All the mud tires on your truck should have consistent air pressure to carry the weight of your car equally. Adequate air pressure is important for a good tire life, handling, and traction. Look through your car's owners manual, on the sticker inside the drivers door, or look on the tire itself to find the correct air pressure that you need to maintain inside your tires. Some of the time that information is given on the vehicle placard that can be found in the glove box, or the armrest compartment of your car, but if you get custom mud tires for your car or truck the best place to look is on the tire itself. Seasonal changes can affect the air pressure of the mud tires. Cold temperatures are responsible for dropping the air pressure of the mud tires, whereas warm temperatures are responsible for increasing the air pressure. Expert truckers go by the rule: a 10% swing in the temperatures causes a 1lb. change in the air-pressure. Sudden changes in temperature are a good time to check the pressure of the tires on your car. These changes occur most often in the spring and fall months. Rotating Rules You can reduce the wear and tear of your mud tires by rotating them often. Rotating your mud's tires keeps the tread wear balanced and can really help you out when slippery and wet conditions occur. A simple rule about rotating your tires is to do it on every other oil change. That equals out to approximately every 6 to 7 thousand miles. Doing this consistently will make your tires last longer and allow you a comfortable ride for many, many miles. To Know about mud tire for your offroad car's, you can Click to this site www.4wheeloffroad.com