What Are Those Numbers On My Tire?

Most tires have a term like ’89H’ after the tire size on the sidewall of the tire. This is called the Service Description. The ’89’ part of this term is the Load Index. Each number correlates to a maximum amount of weight a tire can support at a certain tire pressure. The higher the number, the more load the tire can support. You want to ensure that the tires you put on your vehicle match or exceed the Load Index requirements specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

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The Speed Rating is one component of a tire’s Service Description. The Speed Rating denotes how much speed and heat a tire can withstand in laboratory settings. What you need to know is that the Speed Rating can affect a vehicle’s handling characteristics at any speed. You typically want to match or exceed the Speed Rating that your vehicle manufacturer specified. However, in some conditions, it might be acceptable to use a tire with one speed rating lower than your car originally came with from the factory.

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Find a local dealer and shop their tires online: https://www.buylocaltires.com/find-a-dealer

Helpful Tips and Things To Know

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Don't tread on me: Tire industry needs to tell state regulators to back off - Aftermarket Matters

Californians may soon be riding on tires that require the consumption of as little fuel as possible — performance, durability, price, and, most importantly, safety be damned!

Californians dodge another tax increase as lawmaker pulls bill opposed by tire dealers

A proposal to raise the California tire change fee, which critics called a tax that would hit lower-income residents hardest, has been pulled at the request of its sponsor.

Why You Should Support Your Local Tire Dealer Association

A newsletter from the New England Tire & Service Association (NETSA) recently crossed my desk. (Yes, we still receive paper communications here at MTD, which I like!)

CTDA In The News

"CTDA Gives Back"
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CTDA offers scholarships to employees and family of member dealers to help them with the cost of education. Learn more about how CTDA gives back at www.ctdascholarships.net