Stupid question: Why do we use both metric and imperial system when it comes to tire specification? | FerrariChat

Stupid question: Why do we use both metric and imperial system when it comes to tire specification?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Tifoso1, Jul 5, 2021.

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  1. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

    Nov 18, 2003
    2,598
    Pacific NW
    Full Name:
    Anthony C.
    As in 245(mm)/ZR35/19(inches). Anyone here knows why? Thanks.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,038
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    #2 Steve Magnusson, Jul 5, 2021
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2021
    I think it's mostly historical -- the world tried to go all metric for everything in the mid 80's, but it just didn't work out well for wheel diameter as the imperial system was more entrenched, and the US population just didn't like the whole metric thing anyway. However, for tire width, the metric system was/is way better/clearer/more easily understood than the old letter system (...D, E, F, G... etc.) for tire width (and the millimeter is small enough that it can be a whole number without a decimal point/comma -- rather than something like 8.85 inches in the US and needing 8,85 in Europe) -- so we (the US) appropriated/stole just the metric tire width portion 'cause that's what we do best ;).
     
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  3. 24000rpm

    24000rpm F1 Rookie

    yea, historical, like why men's vas deferens are wired in such a way that it almost seems like its bad bio engineering .
     
  4. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    12,661
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    Huh?
     
  5. 24000rpm

    24000rpm F1 Rookie

    its a biology thing, evolutionary pathways led to weird and seemingly badly designed animal organs.

     
  6. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,517
    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    Like in the game Jeopardy,
    Answer: it’s the only car part that has a combined measurement of both metric and US standard.
    Question: what is tire?
     

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