Time 4 Tires
I got tires this morning. 4 tires. From Big O Tires in Chino Hills. I had in my head Aspen Touring tires because that's what I got a couple of years back while in Colorado. That was 2014. So my tires lasted for 2 years. But I blew it. I did not write down the odometer when I got those tires, and I am sure that the receipt is lost to oblivion. Today's odometer reads 204, 804. Already, I don't like how the Sumitomo handle. On sharp turns, the tire does not absorb the range needed in a turn, so it hops a little. I don't trust this. Don't trust what it is going to cost me down the line in terms of alignment or axle repair.
I went in hoping to spend about $350. I spent $512.92. Ouch!
Seems like I am always hurting these days.
Here's what they got me for:
4 195/65R 15 91T Sumitomo Tour Plus LS-T BLK tires
eBay has these same tires, 2 for $139, and I paid $100 each. Ouch! This is what I get for not shopping in advance. Always go to eBay to check pricing. Always. At least just to get pricing.
You can see the itemized charges here: Pending.
And the total here:
Here are my old tires, the four reasons that compelled me to shell out $512 to some strangers in Chino Hills.
The tire at the far left is a Sinclair tire I got at Richard's Automotive years ago. Don't know how many miles or how many years old it is. The middle tire, I believe (not sure), is the Firestone or Goodyear tire.
Okay, the tire on the bottom with the bare thread was one of the two Aspen Tourings on my front axel. That particular tire was on my left front with the thread bare portion on the inner most part of the alignment where you can't see it standing outside. The tire on top is the other Aspen Touring. And though its thread is not bare, you can certainly see the loss of tread at the top of the edge of the tire. The salesman at Big O Tires told me that that loss of tread and the exposure of the thread is due to misalignment. True or no?
It's one thing to price one's tires, it's another thing to measure your tires and what the measuring letters and numbers mean (this is a better page; it comes with diagrams). You should know this before you go into a tire shop, so that the dealer doesn't sell you a tire that is not right for your car. They shouldn't but we never know.
Tire Class
"P" stands for "Passenger Tire." 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," and no letter before the zie indicates that tit 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% of the section width of 205mm equals 133.25
Tire Construction
The "R" in this example indicates radial tire construction.
Wheel Diameter "16"
This indicates the wheel diameter in inches.
Aspect ratio of sidewall (Example: P225/ 45R17 91V). The 2-digit numnber that usually follows the tire's section width tells us the aspect ratio, or the tire profile measurement. In this example, the 45 indicates that the sidewall distance, from the wheel rim to the outside of the tread, is 45% of the section width.
How can you tell if a tire is a 10 Ply?
A "C" indicates the tire has a 6-ply load carrying capacity. The tire is not actually built with 6 plies, but contains one or two plies of equivalent strength. A "D" is an 8-ply rating, and an "E" is a 10-ply rating. If there is no letter, the tire has a standard 4-ply rating.
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 fromone 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.
Piles "E"
This letter indicates the load carrying capacity of the tire in terms of its construction. A "C" indicates the tire has a 6-ply load carrying capacity. The tire is not actually built with 6 piles, but contains one or two piles of equivalent strength. A "D" is an 8-ply rating, and an "E" is a 10-ply rating. If there is no letter, the tire has a standard 4-ply 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. See the load index table.
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.
DOT
The "DOT" marking indicates that the tire meets or exceeds the U.S. Dept. of Transportation 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 tire manufacturing plant.
Tire Size "9L"
The 3rd and 4th characters following the DOT marking are codes representing the tire size.
Brand Characteristics "YYY"
The final 3 or 4 letters are codes representing other significant characteristics of the tire as determined by the manufacturer.
Manufacturer 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 2nd pair of digits identifies the year that the tire was manufactured, in this case, 2005.
Treadware "520"
The treadware 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 determin actual tread life. Each tire manufacturer independently determines treadwear through their own tests. Treadware 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 tires'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 the highest rated and therefore most resistant to heat generation. Learn more about Treadware, Traction & Temperature.
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 [44psi]"
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 the 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 highter than a standard load tire.
This indicates what materials are used in the tire's plies, and the quantity of each type included. Learn about other components of a tire's construction.
Some tires indicate the direction of rotation on the sidewall, while others indicate a specific side of the tire that's 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.
Directoinal & 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.
I got tires this morning. 4 tires. From Big O Tires in Chino Hills. I had in my head Aspen Touring tires because that's what I got a couple of years back while in Colorado. That was 2014. So my tires lasted for 2 years. But I blew it. I did not write down the odometer when I got those tires, and I am sure that the receipt is lost to oblivion. Today's odometer reads 204, 804. Already, I don't like how the Sumitomo handle. On sharp turns, the tire does not absorb the range needed in a turn, so it hops a little. I don't trust this. Don't trust what it is going to cost me down the line in terms of alignment or axle repair.
I went in hoping to spend about $350. I spent $512.92. Ouch!
Seems like I am always hurting these days.
Here's what they got me for:
4 195/65R 15 91T Sumitomo Tour Plus LS-T BLK tires
| Product | Amount | Unit Price | Total Price |
| 4
195/65R 15 91T Sumitomo Tour Plus LS-T BLK tires |
4 | $100/ea. | $399.96 |
| Mount & Balance | 4 | $20/ea. | $79.96 |
| Stem Excluding TPMS | Free | ||
| *Alignment Recommended* | No Charge. | ||
| Tire Disposal Fee | 4 | $3/ea. | $12/Total |
| State Tire Tax (Yep, a state tire tax?:-/) | 4 | $1.75/ea. | $7 |
| Wheel Alignment 6 Months | $89 | -$89 | |
| Coupon Tire (I got the "Buy 3, Get 1 Free") -$99.99 | 1 | -$99 | -$99 |
You can see the itemized charges here: Pending.
It's one thing to price one's tires, it's another thing to measure your tires and what the measuring letters and numbers mean (this is a better page; it comes with diagrams). You should know this before you go into a tire shop, so that the dealer doesn't sell you a tire that is not right for your car. They shouldn't but we never know.
SIZE METRIC
Tire Class
"P" stands for "Passenger Tire." 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," and no letter before the zie indicates that tit 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% of the section width of 205mm equals 133.25
Tire Construction
The "R" in this example indicates radial tire construction.
Wheel Diameter "16"
This indicates the wheel diameter in inches.
Aspect ratio of sidewall (Example: P225/ 45R17 91V). The 2-digit numnber that usually follows the tire's section width tells us the aspect ratio, or the tire profile measurement. In this example, the 45 indicates that the sidewall distance, from the wheel rim to the outside of the tread, is 45% of the section width.
How can you tell if a tire is a 10 Ply?
A "C" indicates the tire has a 6-ply load carrying capacity. The tire is not actually built with 6 plies, but contains one or two plies of equivalent strength. A "D" is an 8-ply rating, and an "E" is a 10-ply rating. If there is no letter, the tire has a standard 4-ply rating.
SIZE (HIGH FLOTATION TIRE
measured in inches instead of millimeters)
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 fromone 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.
Piles "E"
This letter indicates the load carrying capacity of the tire in terms of its construction. A "C" indicates the tire has a 6-ply load carrying capacity. The tire is not actually built with 6 piles, but contains one or two piles of equivalent strength. A "D" is an 8-ply rating, and an "E" is a 10-ply rating. If there is no letter, the tire has a standard 4-ply rating.
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. See the load index table.
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
The "DOT" marking indicates that the tire meets or exceeds the U.S. Dept. of Transportation 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 tire manufacturing plant.
Tire Size "9L"
The 3rd and 4th characters following the DOT marking are codes representing the tire size.
Brand Characteristics "YYY"
The final 3 or 4 letters are codes representing other significant characteristics of the tire as determined by the manufacturer.
Manufacturer 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 2nd pair of digits identifies the year that the tire was manufactured, in this case, 2005.
TREADWEAR, TRACTION & TEMPERATURE
Treadware "520"
The treadware 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 determin actual tread life. Each tire manufacturer independently determines treadwear through their own tests. Treadware 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 tires'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 the highest rated and therefore most resistant to heat generation. Learn more about Treadware, Traction & Temperature.
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).
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 the 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 highter 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. Learn about other components of a tire's construction.
ROTATION DIRECTION
Some tires indicate the direction of rotation on the sidewall, while others indicate a specific side of the tire that's 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.
Directoinal & 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.
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