How many ply tires


How to Read Tire Sizes

It may seem like a bunch of random numbers and letters are on your tire sidewall, but they all actually mean something. These letters and numbers tell you the tire size, type of tire and the safety standards. We will teach you how to read your tires below.

Size (Metric) 

Tire Class - "P"

The first character(s) in a tire size designate the tire's class. In this example, "P" indicates that the tire is a passenger car tire. An "LT" before the tire size designates a light truck tire, and no letter before the size indicates that it is a European metric tire.

Section Width - "205"

A metric tire's section width is measured in millimeters. This measurement is taken from sidewall to sidewall. In this example, the section width of the tire is 205mm.

Aspect Ratio - "65"

This number refers to the height of the sidewall. It is a percentage of the section width. In this example, 65 percent of the section width of 205mm equals 133. 25.

Tire Construction - "R"

The "R" in this example indicates radial tire construction.

Wheel Diameter - "16"

This indicates the wheel diameter in inches.

Size (High Flotation)

Diameter - "35"

The first number indicates the tire's diameter in inches. In this example, the tire manufacturer has determined that this is a 35" tire. However, actual measured overall diameters vary from one manufacturer to the next.

Tire Width - "1250"

Standard tire width is indicated in inches with the decimal point removed. Therefore, in this example, the number 1250 indicates that this tire is 12.5" wide.

Tire Construction - "R"

The "R" in this example indicates radial tire construction.

Wheel Diameter - "17"

This indicates the wheel diameter in inches.

Plies - "E"


The last letter in a standard tire size indicates the number of layers used in the construction of the tire. If there is no letter, the tire has the standard 4 plies. A "C" indicates 6 plies, a "D" indicates 8 plies, and an "E" indicates 10 plies. The higher the number of plies in a tire, the stronger the tire is and the more air pressure the tire can safely hold. Higher ply tires require more air pressure to maintain proper wear.

Load Index & Speed Rating

Load Index - "92"

The load index indicates the maximum amount of weight a tire can safely carry. Load index ranges from 0 to 279 and corresponds with the load-carrying capacity of a tire. Passenger car tire load indices typically range from 75 to 105. It is very important to maintain the proper load index for your vehicle when replacing your tires. See our load index chart for more information.

Speed Rating - "H"

A tire receives its speed rating from the U.S. Government by meeting minimum standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. In general, a higher speed rating will result in better vehicle handling. See our speed rating page for more information and a list of the various speed ratings.

U.S. DOT & Safety Standard Markings

DOT

The "DOT" marking indicates that the tire meets or exceeds the U.S. Department of Transportation's safety standard for tires.

Manufacturer Plant Code - "CC"

The first two letters following the DOT marking are codes to identify the manufacturer of the tire and the manufacturing plant.

Tire Size - "9L"

The third and fourth characters following the DOT marking are codes representing the tire size.

Brand Characteristics - "YYY"

The final three or four letters are codes representing other significant characteristics of the tire as determined by the manufacturer.

Manufacture Week - "11"

The first pair of digits identifies the week the tire was manufactured. In this case, the tire was manufactured in the 11th week. The number 01 would indicate the first week of January, whereas the number 52 would indicate the last week of December.

Manufacture Year - "05"

The second pair of digits identifies the year that the tire was manufactured, in this case 2005.

Treadwear, Traction & Temperature

Treadwear - "520"

The treadwear rating is a measurement of the tire's durability, but not the projected tread life. It is important to remember that road surfaces, driving habits, and other factors determine actual tread life. Each tire manufacturer independently determines treadwear through their own tests. Treadwear is not based on any one industry or government standard.

Traction - "A"

The traction rating is a measurement of a tire's ability to stop on a straight, wet surface under controlled conditions. It does not indicate the tire's cornering ability on a wet surface or its traction on ice or snow. Traction grades include AA, A, B, and C, with AA being the highest grade available.

Temperature - "A"

The temperature rating is a measurement of a tire's resistance to heat generation under normal operating conditions at recommended inflation pressures. Temperature grades range from A to C, with A being highest rated and therefore most resistant to heat generation.

Maximum Load Limit & Air Pressure

Maximum Load Limit - "635 kg [1400 lbs]"

This indicates the tire's maximum load-carrying capabilities when the tire is inflated to its maximum inflation pressure, as indicated on the sidewall. Max load is based on standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Maximum Air Pressure - "300 kPa [44 psi]"

This indicates the maximum operating inflation pressure of the tire. It does not indicate the manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure, nor does it indicate the proper air pressure based on the vehicle the tire is mounted on. This category is also based on NHTSA standards.

Note - Some tires are marked 'Extra Load', 'XL', or 'RF' (for reinforced). This simply denotes that the tire's indicated maximum load and air pressure are higher than a standard load tire.

Ply Construction

This indicates what materials are used in the tire's plies, and the quantity of each type included.

Rotation Direction

Some tires indicate the direction of rotation on the sidewall, while others indicate a specific side of the tire that is intended to face outward from the vehicle. Another type of tire combines both indications. It is important that these tires be mounted according to the indicated instructions.

Directional Tires

Directional tires feature arrows on the sidewall that indicate what direction the tire should rotate when the vehicle is moving forward.

Asymmetrical Tires

Asymmetrical tires have the word "outside" labeled on the side of the tire that should face outward from the vehicle.

Directional & Asymmetrical Tires

Tires that are both directional and asymmetrical will indicate what direction the tire must rotate, as well as what side must face outward from the vehicle.

How to understand tire ply ratings and what they mean.

At one time, you could gauge a tire’s construction and load-carrying capabilities by the number of plies or layers used to make the tire. The days of counting the number of plies may be gone, but the idea lives on in the Tire Ply Rating. Here’s what those ratings mean and how to get the right tires for your needs.


What Is a Tire Ply?

In the early and mid part of the 20th century, cotton fibers were used in tires to add strength. Those fibers ran at a specific angle to the tread to make bias-ply and radial tires. Steel wires would eventually replace the cotton. However, the number of plies (or layers) in a tire was still counted and used to determine its load-carrying capacity when fully inflated.

Fast forward to today, and tire plies are manufactured with rubberized textile cords wrapped under the beads of the tire. This design makes it possible to use fewer plies and layers to achieve equal or greater strength. That’s why we use the term Ply Rating. This information can also be indicated as Load Range.


Where to Find Tire Ply Information

You’ll find the information about a tire’s Ply Rating on the tire’s sidewall. You’re looking for the Construction Type or Load Range (D in the image below).

While Load Range and Ply are used interchangeably, you’ll need the chart in our article Using Load Index and Load Range to Pick the Right Tires to pinpoint the ply rating that corresponds to a Load Range of A – F.

LOAD RANGE PLY RATING
A 2
B 4
C 6
D 8
E 10
F 12

When referring to the first chart in the article, you’ll notice the Load Index. This number correlates to the maximum safe carrying capacity of the tire when it’s inflated to its maximum pressure. Higher load index ratings mean your tires may be able to handle a heavier load.

If you don’t see a Load Range or Ply Rating, you might find the letters P (passenger rated, which is 4-ply rated or lower), LT (light truck, which is 6-ply rated or higher), or XL (extra load is typically 4-ply rated with a higher-than-standard Load Index) stamped on the tires.

If you drive a cargo van (such as a Ford Transit), you may see the letter C, which on these particular tires stands for “cargo” at the end of your tire size. This is not to be confused with a 6-ply rated tire. Refer to the Load Index for your vehicle to ensure you get the proper tires. If you’re not sure, stop by Les Schwab.


Les Schwab Understands Tire Ply Ratings and Load Index

You can always leave the Tire Ply Ratings, Load Indexes and Load Ranges to the pros at Les Schwab. We’ll show you the best tires for your vehicle and needs. Schedule an appointment that works for you or stop by your local Les Schwab and we’ll help you out.

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Tires. Types and dimensions of truck tires

Speed ​​index

TIRE LOAD INDEX

Tire models Load index (kg) Speed ​​index (km/h) Drawing type Busbar
425/85 R21 18 layer
NorTec TR 184-1 156 (4,000) J (100) enhanced
cross
single
busbar
NorTec TR 1260 156 (4,000) G(90) cross-country
single
busbar
NorTec TR 1260-1 156 (4,000) J(100) cross-country
single
busbar
FORWARD TRACTION 1260 156 (4,000) G(90) cross-country
single
busbar
KAMA 1260 156 (4,000) G(90) cross-country
single
busbar
KAMA 1260-1 156 (4,000) G(90) cross-country
single
busbar
KAMA 1260-2 156 (4,000) J(100) cross-country
single
busbar
425/65 R22. 5
ANNAITE 716 165 (5 150) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
445/65 R22.5
Barum BS49 169 (5 800) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
385/65 R22.5
Tyrex All Steel I TR-1 160 (4500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
Cordiant Professional TR-1 160 (4 500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
CROSS STAR POWERTRAC 160L TL 160 (4500) L (120) road
universal
single
busbar
Onyx HO 107 160 (4500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
Continental HTR 160 (4500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
Triangle TR697 160 (4500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
Kama NT 701 160 (4500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
Kama NT 201 160 (4500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
14. 00 R20
Triangle TRY66 164 (5,000)

G (90)

road /
off road
universal
single
busbar

(single busbar SHACMAN 6x6)

161 (4 625)
Continental HCS 164 (5,000)

K (110)

road /
off road
universal
single
busbar
160 (4500) double
busbar
OI-25 147 (3 075) G(90) cross-country
single
busbar
12.00 R20
Forward Traction 75 154 (3 750)
J (100)

road
universal
single
busbar
149 (3 250) double
busbar
VI-243 154 (3 750)
G (90)

road
universal
single
busbar
149 (3 250) double
busbar
ID-304 154 (3 750)

J (100)


road
universal
single
busbar
149 (3 250) double slope
busbar
IYA-241 154 (3 750)

J (100)


road
universal
single
busbar
149 (3 250)
double
busbar
Kama-701 154 (3 750)

F (80)

road
universal
single slope
busbar
150 (3 350)
double
busbar
11. 00 R20
Forward Traction 310 150 (3 350)
K (110)

road
universal
single
busbar
146 (3,000) double
busbar
I-111A 150 (3 350)
K (110)

road
universal
single
busbar
146 (3,000) double
busbar
10.00 R20
Altayshina OI-73B 146 (3,000)
K (110)

road
universal
single
busbar
143 (2 725) double
busbar
Forward Traction 281 146 (3,000)
K (110)

road
universal
single
busbar
143 (2 725) double
busbar
315/80 R22. 5
CORDIANT PROFESSIONAL FR-1 156 (4,000)
L (120)

road
universal
single
busbar
150 (3 350) double
busbar
TYREX VM-1 156 (4,000)

K (110)

road
universal
single
busbar
150 (3 350) double
busbar
ONYX HO102 156 (4,000)
K (110)

road
universal
single
busbar
150 (3 350) double
busbar
235/75 R17.5
Cordiant Professional TR-1 132 (2000)

J (100)

road
universal
single
busbar
130 (1900) double
busbar
Triangle TR685 143 (2 725)
J (100)

road
universal
single
busbar
141 (2575) double
busbar
385/65 R22. 5
Cordiant Professional TR-1 160 (4500) K(110) road
universal
single
busbar
INS KG INS KG
140 2500 166 5 300
141 2575 167 5 450
142 2650 168 5600
143 2725 169 5 800
144 2 800 170 6000
145 2900 171 6 150
146 3000 172 6 300
147 3075 173 6 500
148 3 150 174 6 700
149 3 250 175 6 900
150 3 350 176 7 100
151 3450 177 7 300
152 3550 178 7 500
153 3650 179 7 750
154 3 750 180 8000
155 3 875 181 8 250
156 4000 182 8 500
157 4 125 183 8 750
158 4 250 184 9000
159 4 375 185 9 250
160 4 500 186 9 500
161 4 625 187 9 750
162 4 750 188 10 000
163 4 875 189 10 300
164 5,000 190 10 600
165 5 150

Load capacity versus speed

Speed, km/h Change in load capacity, % Pressure change, %
Symbol of speed
F G J K L M
Static +150. 0 +150.0 +150.0 +150.0 +150.0 +150.0 40
2 +110.0 +110.0 +110.0 +110.0 +110.0 +110.0 40
10 +180.0 +180.0 +180.0 +180.0 +180.0 +180.0 30
15 +65.0 +65.0 +65.0 +65.0 +65.0 +65.0 25
20 +50.0 +50.0 +50.0 +50.0 +50.0 +50.0 21
25 +35.0 +35.0 +35.0 +35.0 +35.0 +35.0 17
30 +25.0 +25.0 +25.0 +25.0 +25.0 +25.0 13
35 +19. 0 +19.0 +19.0 +19.0 +19.0 +19.0 11
40 +15.0 +15.0 +15.0 +15.0 +15.0 +15.0 10
45 +13.0 +13.0 +13.0 +13.0 +13.0 +13.0 9
50 +12.0 +12.0 +12.0 +12.0 +12.0 +12.0 8
55 +11.0 +11.0 +11.0 +11.0 +11.0 +11.0 7
60 +10.0 +10.0 +10.0 +10.0 +10.0 +10.0 6
65 +7.5 +8.5 +8.5 +8.5 +8.5 +8.5 4
70 +5.0 +7.0 +7. 0 +7.0 +7.0 +7.0 2
75 +2.5 +5.5 +5.5 +5.5 +5.5 +5.5 1
80 0 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 0
85 +2.0 +3.0 +3.0 +3.0 +3.0 0
90 0 +2.0 +2.0 +2.0 +2.0 0
95 +1.0 +1.0 +1.0 +1.0 0
100 0 0 0 0 0
110 0 0 0 0
120 0 0 0
130 0 0

Contact us! We are always happy to help you!!!!!

Best regards, Ural ST LLC

Articles about truck tires

Tires provide the vehicle with traction on the road, so many aspects depend on their choice - vehicle speed, load capacity, flotation, maneuverability, stability and maximum load.

The main characteristics are encoded in the marking. It is applied to the side surface of the product. Among the most relevant characteristics, in addition to physical parameters (radius, width), are the speed and load index. The first shows the maximum permitted speed of the vehicle (assuming a full load). The load index is the load bearing capacity index of the tire. It indicates the ability of the vehicle to carry the declared maximum load weight while traveling at a speed appropriate for that type. This parameter is relevant for trucks and special vehicles, everyone who loads the car as much as possible pays attention to it.

Among the parameters that characterize tires, the ply rate (PR - Ply Rayting) stands out.

Tire ply rating

It is known that tires for wheeled vehicles are not a monolith, but a multilayer structure. Each layer is responsible for certain functions and performs different tasks. At the base is a frame that transmits the friction force to the wheel from the road. Consists of several layers, including cord. Cord material:

  • special fabric;
  • cotton;
  • fiberglass;
  • steel;
  • nylon.

Previously used cotton cord. To increase strength, the number of layers of cotton was increased. Now more durable materials are used, so you don’t need to use many real layers. Optimally - a breaker with a steel cord.

Tire ply for different types of equipment is different. Tires for passenger cars have a ply rating of 4 or 6, for trucks - 6 or 8. The higher the index, the higher the level of rigidity, the car can carry more cargo.

This standard is a conditional or estimated indicator of the bearing capacity of the frame. This parameter does not mean the actual number of cord layers, but shows the compliance of the carrying capacity of a real tire with a reference sample based on cotton cord. It may be designated as "HP" for some domestic brands, but most often it is the "PR" marking.

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Modern technologies using strong cords and rubber compounds reduce the number of layers while maintaining the ability to carry loads. In this case, it is better to use the load index. This indicator corresponds to the maximum load weight for a particular tire at a certain speed, the maximum for this type of product. It is indicated for one wheel, and to find out the data for the entire vehicle, you need to multiply the value by the number of wheels.

The two speed and load indices are linked. The maximum value is applied to the bus. Accordingly, if the speed is lower than the maximum, then the car can carry more cargo.

Ply rate and load index of tires for special equipment

For special equipment, including trucks, these standards mean a lot. To determine the maximum load capacity of a truck or special equipment, the indexes summarized in the tables will help. It should be remembered that the load is indicated for one wheel, so it is necessary to multiply the table value by the number of vehicle wheels.

Experienced drivers understand that a certain value is not limiting and a truck can carry 20-30% more cargo.


Learn more