Basic Tire Knowledge
A starting point to answer your questions about tires. Discover everything from how to read your sidewall to how your tires can carry your whole vehicle.
Load
The contact area of each tire is equivalent to the size of a hand but it can carry the weight of the vehicle and its passengers.
Shock Absorption
When driving on unpaved roads, do you know what ensures a comfortable drive? Tires! Tires are formulated using 50% elastic rubber with inner air pressure serving as a shock absorption tool to help minimize bumpy rides.
Vehicle Handling, Driving Force, and Braking Power
Tires are the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the road. When initiating, driving, braking, or parking your vehicle tires successfully help complete your command.
Steering Wheel Movement
Tires communicate the controls of the driver. Steering and reversing operations are dictated by the tires.
The sidewall provides valuable information about the tire including the specifications, the brand, and the type of construction. All numbers are standardized and recognized by tire manufacturers around the world.
Codes:
- Section Width(mm)
- Aspect Ratio(Section height as a percentage of the section width).
- Rim Diameter(in)
- Load Index
- Speed Rating
Load Index and Speed Rating
Load index corresponds to the load capacity while speed rating is designated using letters from J to Z and represents the maximum speed of the tire. These two factors are interdependent. Please refer to the tables below for the load index and speed rating.
Load Index (Maximum Load)
LI | lbs | kg |
---|---|---|
71 | 761 | 345 |
72 | 783 | 355 |
73 | 805 | 365 |
74 | 827 | 375 |
75 | 853 | 387 |
76 | 882 | 400 |
77 | 908 | 412 |
78 | 937 | 425 |
79 | 963 | 437 |
80 | 992 | 450 |
LI | lbs | kg |
---|---|---|
71 | 761 | 345 |
72 | 783 | 355 |
73 | 805 | 365 |
74 | 827 | 375 |
75 | 853 | 387 |
76 | 882 | 400 |
77 | 908 | 412 |
78 | 937 | 425 |
79 | 963 | 437 |
80 | 992 | 450 |
LI | lbs | kg |
---|---|---|
71 | 761 | 345 |
72 | 783 | 355 |
73 | 805 | 365 |
74 | 827 | 375 |
75 | 853 | 387 |
76 | 882 | 400 |
77 | 908 | 412 |
78 | 937 | 425 |
79 | 963 | 437 |
80 | 992 | 450 |
LI | lbs | kg |
---|---|---|
71 | 761 | 345 |
72 | 783 | 355 |
73 | 805 | 365 |
74 | 827 | 375 |
75 | 853 | 387 |
76 | 882 | 400 |
77 | 908 | 412 |
78 | 937 | 425 |
79 | 963 | 437 |
80 | 992 | 450 |
Speed Rating (Maximum Speed)
J | K | L | M | N | P | Q | R | S | T | H | V | W | Y | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mph | 62 | 68 | 75 | 81 | 87 | 93 | 100 | 106 | 113 | 118 | 130 | 150 | 168 | 188 |
72 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | 170 | 180 | 190 | 210 | 240 | 270 | 300 |
Run flat tires also known as safe tires or zero pressure tires are designed to perform after a puncture or complete loss of tire inflation pressure has occurred. These tires allow you to drive up to 80km at 80km/h to help you reach a safe place.
Comparison between Run Flat Tires and Ordinary Tires:
BLAZING SUN
THUNDERSTORMS
Summer thunderstorms produce water on road surfaces and causes tire skidding.
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- A strong bead ring is found on the inner part of the tyre, where the tyre and rim join together. The bead ring securely fastens the tyre with the rim to ensure safety and minimize deformation.
- When a partial amount of pressure is applied, the strong bead ring can withstand up to 3 tons before it detaches from the tyre.
- It will take more than 6 tons of force to break the bead ring.
Tire valve helps maintain stable tire pressure by inflating or deflating the tire
The tire valve may be small, but it is an extremely important vehicle component that helps improves safety and tire life. The valve also ensures stable tire pressure is attained by allowing you to adjust the pressure. A valve cap is an essential part of the valve that provides added protection and prevents dust from seeping in.
The tire valve is made of rubber and after long term usage it will deteriorate. Overtime, normal driving practices will exert pressure on the valve causing damage or wear. Although a tire valve is not expensive, it plays an important part in tire performance and safety.
Giti Tire recommends replacing tyre valves whenever new tires are installed.
Tire valve helps maintain stable tire pressure by inflating or deflating the tire.
When treveling on the road, tires are the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the ground.
The contact area of each tire is equivalent to the size of a hand.
Carrying a weight of 2000kg.
Proper Tire Pressure:
- Safer
- Durable
- Fuel-Efficient
Improper Tire Pressure:
When air pressure is decreased by 25%, tire life is shortened by 20%
Danger Rapid of Air Leak:
- Fuel consumption is increased by a barrel each year
- Weaker handling and gripping power
- Breaking distance in wet road conditions increases by 9.5 meters (equivalent to the distance of two cars placed side by side)
EXTERIOR TIRE DAMAGE
Leads to air leaks, flat tires, shorter tire life, and affects safe travels.
Carefully check your tire's appearance. If problems appear, replace the tires immediately.
EXCESSIVE TREAD WEAR
Leads to reduced handling, braking, and water dispersion abilities
Measure the tread depth. If less than 1.6 mm, replace the tires immediately.
IMPROPER TIRE PRESSURE
Leads to uneven tire wear, reduced handling and comfort, increased fuel consumption, and even tire blowouts
Check the air pressure of all tires (including the spare). Standard tire pressure recommendations can be found in the owner's manual or on the driver side car door.
When faced with complex road conditions, do you know how to choose the right tires for your car?
Selecting Suitable Tires for Different Road Conditions is Essential!
Rough Pattern with Attention to
Details (AT)
Balancing Off-Road
Capabilities and Comfort
When you speed reaches
100km/h
Your tire rolls
14 times per second
Calculated using the most common
tire size 195/65R15
Every tyre is designed with a tread wear indicator (TWI) which is a raised section molded into the grooves of a tyre. In passenger car tires, the TWI is around 1.6 mm and the tyre shoulder is labeled with TWI or the △ symbol.
TWI indicates the tread wear limit and helps vehicle owners understand the tread wear so they know when to replace the tires. When the tread is leveled with the TWI, the tread pattern will be separated and the tires need to be replaced immediately.
Note: When tread wear limit is reached, handling, braking, and water evacuation will significantly be decreased. Extremely dangerous!
Sidewall Bulges
Please replace tires immediately to avoid tire blowouts
Multiple Cuts
Increases probability of tire leak.
Sidewall Cracks
Tire shows signs of deterioration
If your tires have any of the conditions mentioned above, it is recommended that you visit the nearest Giti Professional Service Center to replace the tires!
The sidewall of a tire contains information for your safety and knowledge. Being able to read sidewall markings will help you better understand the performance of each tire and provide information for mounting and servicing the tire.
Codes:
- Section Width(mm)
- Aspect Ratio
- Rim Diameter(in)
- Load Index
- Speed Rating
Passenger Car Tire Specifications: (195/60R15 88V)
- 235: Section Width (mm)
- 45: Aspect Ratio
- ZR: Speed Rating
- 17: Rim Diameter (in)
- 97W: Load Index and Speed Rating
Under specified conditions, speed rating is a letter representing the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index (except for passenger car and motorcycle tires with speeds greater than 210 km/h).
Under specified conditions, load index is a numerical code representing the maximum load the tire can carry corresponding to its speed rating (except for passenger car and motorcycle tires with speeds greater than 210 km/h).
Speed rating is represented with a letter from J to Z and is the maximum speed corresponding to its load index.
Please refer to the following speed rating table (Maximum Speed).
J | K | L | M | N | P | Q | R | S | T | H | V | W | Y | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mph | 62 | 68 | 75 | 81 | 87 | 93 | 100 | 106 | 113 | 118 | 130 | 150 | 168 | 188 |
kmh | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | 170 | 180 | 190 | 210 | 240 | 270 | 300 |
Hi, how can we help?
Frequently Asked Questions
You can download a product brochures from any of our stores, visit a store near you.
You can locate stores near you, here(not available).
You can also download brochure on each product detail page, sample here.
Simply click the button Download Product Leaflet
Locate GT Radial stores near you using our Dealer Locator.
If you are not sure of what size is installed on your vehicle, please confirm first by checking the sidewall.
Here is a simple guide of how to check your tire size.
You can shop tires by size here,
Please contact see Warranty page for warranty information.
Each tire has designated speed rating. Click here to see Speed Rating Guide.
Email Us
You may also email your questions by using our form
GT Radial Tire Warranty Information
Thank you for trusting in GT Radial. As proven on the race track, GT Radial tires will serve you well with proper care and maintenance. Once you register your tires on our GT Radial Tire Registration Page, you will be able to enjoy peace of mind with our GT Care Plus Assurance coverage.
GT Care Plus Assurance - Singapore
We want you to share the confidence that we have in our tires. With GT Care Plus Assurance, Enjoy Driving when you are protected against repairable and irreparable damage.
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A3 - Month 1 Free Repair for Punctures
Drive easy when you don’t have to worry about punctures. In the event of a puncture, head back to the dealer from whom you purchased your tires for free puncture repairs up to 3 months after your purchase.
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B3 - Month 1 1-to-1 Tire Replacements 2
Take on the road with confidence when you have a 1-to-1 tire replacement for irreparable tire damage within 3 months of your purchase.
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C5 - Year Standard Limited Warranty and Limited Mileage Warranty Free Repair for Punctures 3
Take on the road with confidence when you have a 1-to-1 tire replacement for irreparable tire damage within 3 months of your purchase.
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3 months calculated from the date of purchase on the original receipt.
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Additional Terms & Conditions apply. Please refer to the full T&Cs on our GT Radial Tire Registration Page.
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Full Terms & Conditions of the 5-year Standard Limited Warranty and Limited Mileage Warranty can be found here.