How To Read A Tire Trivia Quiz

Answer: Passenger Tire

When a tire size begins with a "P," it indicates the tire is a "P-metric" size. "P" rated tires are made to be fitted on vehicles that are primarily used as passenger vehicles. Passenger vehicles include cars, minivans, sport utility vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. P-metric sizes began in the 1970s and they are the most commonly used tire today.

Answer: Width of the tire in millimeters

The 215 indicates this tire is 215 millimeters across from the widest point of its outer sidewall to the widest point of its inner sidewall when mounted and measured on a specified width wheel. This is also referred to as the tire's section width.

Answer: Aspect ratio

The 65 indicates that this tire size's sidewall height (from rim to tread) is 65% of its section width. The measurement is the tire's section height, and also referred to as the tire's aspect ratio. The higher the number, the taller the sidewall.

Answer: Radial tire

The R in the size indicates that the tire has a Radial construction. In radial tires the body plies "radiate" out from the imaginary center of the wheel. Radial tires represent 98% of all tires sold.

Answer: Diameter of rim

The 15 indicates the tire and wheel diameter. You must match the diameter of the rim to the diameter of the tire.

Answer: Load index

The load index is the tire size's relative load carrying capabilities. In the case of the tire here the 95 identifies the tires ability to carry approximately 1,521 pounds. Some other examples of load index/load carrying are; 82/1047, 88/1235, 102/1874 & 108/2205.

Answer: Speed rating

Speed ratings were established to match the speed capability of tires with the top speed capability of the vehicles to which they are applied. Despite the tire manufacturer's ability to manufacturer tires capable of high speeds, none of them recommend the use of their products in excess of legal speed limits. The most common tire speed rating symbols, maximum speeds and typical applications are shown below:

L 75 mph Off-Road & Light Truck Tires
M 81 mph
N 87 mph Temporary Spare Tires
P 93 mph
Q 99 mph Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph
H 130 mph Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
W 168 mph Exotic Sports Cars
Z 186 mph Exotic Sports Cars

Answer: Department of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards (UTQG) were set up to provide customers with helpful information to help them purchase tires. These numbers are based on their relative treadwear, traction and temperature capabilities.

When looking at UTQG ratings it is important to realize that the Department of Transportation does not conduct the tests. These ratings are assigned by the tire manufacturers based on their own test results or companies hired to do the tests.

Answer: Bibendum

The company's 'mascot' is Bibendum (aka "Bib the Michelin Man" or the "Michelin Man"). He was first seen in 1894. Andre Michelin commissioned the image of 'Bib' after his brother Edouard noted that a display of stacked tires resembled a human form.

Answer: False

Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber in 1844, used for the manufacturing of tires.
In 1888, John Dunlop invented the pneumatic tires (air-filled) but these were designed for bicycles.
In 1895, Andre Michelin was the first person to use pneumatic tires on an automobile, although his initial attempts were not successful.
In 1911, Philip Strauss invented the first successful pneumatic automobile tire, which was a combination of tire and an inner tube filled with air.
The Goodyear Tire Company patented the first tubeless tire in 1903, although it was not until years later that it was first used on the 1954 Packard.
In 1908, Frank Seiberling invented grooved tires with improved road traction.