Guidelines

What are the specifications of general tires in Saudi Arabia?

Ahmed Nazem

February 11, 2025

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 دقائق للقراءة

Tires (tires) are among the most important parts of vehicles in general, because they are the part that touches the ground and carries trucks and cars. As a result of this difficult task, it was the duty of government authorities and service departments to take full care of the specifications of tires that drive on our streets. Tires (tires) are consumer parts made of synthetic rubber and reinforced materials. All this mixture of materials has disadvantages, pros, strengths and weaknesses. Among all standard tire specifications, some illegal parties may come and sell tires that do not conform to the specifications of general tires that maintain safety, safety and performance. In order to protect the security and safety of Saudi citizens, the Saudi General Organization for Standardization has worked to identify more than 20 characteristics that must be available in tires entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All vehicles have trucks and cars.

Tires are affected by climate, weather, environment, driving style and other influential factors. As a result of this changing impact, tire manufacturers have worked to provide different types of tires, including those for hot weather and the summer season, and some for snow and cold weather. In any case, it is necessary to review and identify the distinctive characteristics of tires that provide better performance and high safety in driving. Since Darbek Saudi Tire Manufacturing Company focuses its business this year on truck and bus tires, we should focus on the fact that trucks are among the most important means of commercial transportation between countries in the world, with increasing importance Commercial transport and logistical cooperation between countries should focus on providing and manufacturing tires that comply with Saudi specifications, which thus provide appropriate performance to the general atmosphere in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in full accordance with the roads in our country. In this article, we will talk about tire specifications in Saudi Arabia. Through the following words, we will explain to you everything related to the general specifications of tires in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The effect of climate on the choice of types of tires for trucks and cars

The climate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can be characterized in general as hot and dry, but this is only in general. There are many areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where temperatures are not high, especially in the northwestern regions, which gives the Kingdom a different climatic diversity between the impact of the winds of the Arabian Gulf, the winds of the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Tires (tires) have symbols dedicated to the heat they can withstand and are arranged as follows: (A, B, C). Type A tires are the most suitable for Saudi weather because of their high ability to withstand high temperatures. Some tires may come with enhanced technologies that help to disperse The heat caused by contact with hot asphalt, while type B tires have a lower tolerance to temperatures. They are permissible in Saudi Arabia, but they are not the best in withstanding extreme increases in temperatures, especially in cities that experience a constant increase in temperatures. The last type is C, which is intended for cold areas where temperatures drop significantly. This type is prohibited from being imported in Saudi Arabia because it is intended for very cold areas. Climate has effects on the efficiency and performance of tires (tires), including:

  • Effects of high temperatures on tires
  • Increased air pressure inside the tire
  • rapid wear of the tread
  • Increased rolling and rolling resistance
  • Effects of low temperatures on tires
  • Air shrinkage inside the tires
  • Fragility in rubber and cracks
  • Loss of grip on slippery roads
  • Effects of moisture and rain on tires
  • Loss of brake power and anti-slip
  • Moisture increases the wear speed of rubber
تأثير المناخ على اختيار أنواع الإطارات
The effect of climate on the choice of tire types

The most commonly used types of tires in Saudi Arabia

Each region of this world has its environment, economy and geographical nature. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the middle of the world and links modern civilization to Bedouins and desert sands. Because the needs are different, tires are certainly different!

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are many SUVs, especially in areas near the desert and sandy areas, while areas such as the capital Riyadh, small cars are the appropriate means of transportation. This difference is also found in commercial trucks because they pass through many areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is important that trucks are equipped with tires suitable for the environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Here are the most important types of tires in Saudi Arabia and the most popular and used:

  • Small car tires (Passenger Cars)

These tires are designed specifically for daily use in cities and on highways and levels, while showing weakness in driving on sand and mud water. They are reinforced with special structural materials that make the tire withstand high temperatures and achieve remarkable stability in driving at medium and high speeds.

  • SUV tires (4x4)

Due to the great need for strong tires capable of challenging sand, four-wheel drive tires have been able to stand out in the Gulf market in general. These tires are suitable for rough and sandy roads in many regions of the Kingdom. Four-wheel drive tires are reinforced on the sides to provide high protection from rocks and side impacts, as well as extreme pressure and large loads.

  • Tires for trucks and heavy vehicles

Trucks and commercial transport have become one of the most important economic resources in the whole world. Tires for trucks are very different from those in cars in terms of manufacturing and installation. Huge weights cannot be compared to light weights in small cars. Truck tires are durable and have strong and thick sides that provide support to the frame structure. Truck tires are reinforced with many advanced technologies that work in conjunction with suspension and anti-slip systems, which is why they are considered one of the most important modern industries.

  • Seasonal tires

In some areas of northwestern Saudi Arabia, temperatures drop significantly, allowing the use of winter tires, but this is not common in the Kingdom in general due to the hot desert climate, which prevails throughout the year.

What are the global organizations that define standard tire specifications?

Tires (tires) have a significant impact on many industrial, environmental and economic sectors, making the tire industry one of the largest industries in the world. This has caused international organizations to regulate general specifications. Manufactured tires should not be below this level. Among these standards are matters that should be considered in order to protect the environment. These international organizations include: (ISO - International Standards Organization), (UNECE - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), (ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials) and other international organizations and associations concerned with the standards of manufactured products. Below we review some of the specifications recommended by each of these organizations and associations.

  • International Standards Organization (ISO)

The international standards set by ISO include tire dimensions, durability and summary performance experiences. This organization's certification is an instrument that increases the reliability and safety of products provided by tire manufacturing companies. The most prominent standards related to tires are:

  • Standard tire specifications for cars and light trucks (ISO 4000).
  • Tire noise testing standards (ISO 10844).
  • United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

The Economic Commission is no different from its predecessor in terms of the work it performs, but focuses on the specifications of tires that are compatible with the European climate. The most prominent provisions of the Committee are the following regulations:

  • Regulation No. 54: Tire Standards for Heavy Trucks and Buses.
  • Regulation No. 117: Measurement of rolling resistance, external noise, grip levels on wet roads.

What is the “Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality” SASO?

It is the official government body responsible for preparing and developing standards and quality assurance for products and services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Authority aims to verify the safety of products and enhance their economic, practical and industrial efficiency in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality was established by Royal Decree No. (10/M) in 1329 AH (1972). It is the body authorized to give judgments on various industries, sectors and services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What are the guidelines of the Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality regarding the selection of tires?

According to the regulations announced by the Standards, Metrology and Quality Authority in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and the Saudi Center for Energy Efficiency in April 2014, which began to be implemented on November 1, 2015. According to this regulation, tires were divided into three main types according to tire specifications:

I. (1C frames): These are the tires for light vehicles (passenger cars and light trucks), which have a weight limit of less than 3.5 tons and have the speed rating code F (h/km 80)

Second - (2C frames): This category is for light and medium vehicles, in which the load capacity factor is less or equal to 121 kg and the speed rating code N is equal to or greater than (140 km/h).

III. (3C frames): These are tires for heavy vehicles with a weight of more than 3.5 tons. The load capacity factor is equal to or greater than 122 kg, and the speed rating code is M or greater than (130 km/h) and is equal if the load capacity factor is less than 121.

Recommendations of the Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality

Speed symbols on tires:

Each tire has a speed rating indicated by the English letter on the side of the tire:

  • Letter S: 180 km/h speed.
  • Letter T: 190 km/h speed.
  • The letter U: speed 200 km/h.
  • Letter H: speed 210 km/h.
  • Letter V: speed 240 km/h.

The Authority's recommendations on the selection of speed ratings:

  • Choose high speed symbols because they indicate the quality of the materials from which the tire is made and the increase in its durability for heat.
  • Ensure compliance with the speeds specified in the traffic regulations. Tires that violate the traffic regulations will subject you to legal liability.

Tire classification by temperature:

Tire categories by temperature:

  • Class A: suitable for hot conditions (better for Saudi Arabia).
  • Class B: less heat tolerant than class A.
  • Class C: for use in low temperatures. (Unauthorized)

Additional guidelines and tips when choosing tires:

  • Choose a recent production date for the tire.
  • Choose the Drag Grade Category (TRACTION): the best is AA or A, followed by B.
  • Consider the tire wear value (TREADWEAR): the higher the value, the better the tire.

How to read tire codes:

Example: If the tire says “H 100 715 75/255”:

  • The letter H stands for the speed symbol.
  • The number 100 indicates the load coefficient.

Achieving quality conditions and Saudi standards!

Darbek Tire Manufacturing Company has worked to provide the specifications of tires that citizens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia need. As a result of this noble goal, tires were designed in accordance with Saudi standards (SASO) and the Gulf conformity badge, which proved the high quality of tires that compete with international companies in terms of strength, durability and shelf life. Because the environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is different, the company has provided Your path Exclusive products that are compatible with the different environments in Saudi Arabia.

The effect of climate on the choice of types of tires for trucks and cars

The climate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can be characterized in general as hot and dry, but this is only in general. There are many areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where temperatures are not high, especially in the northwestern regions, which gives the Kingdom a different climatic diversity between the impact of the winds of the Arabian Gulf, the winds of the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Tires (tires) have symbols dedicated to the heat they can withstand and are arranged as follows: (A, B, C). Type A tires are the most suitable for Saudi weather because of their high ability to withstand high temperatures. Some tires may come with enhanced technologies that help to disperse The heat caused by contact with hot asphalt, while type B tires have a lower tolerance to temperatures. They are permissible in Saudi Arabia, but they are not the best in withstanding extreme increases in temperatures, especially in cities that experience a constant increase in temperatures. The last type is C, which is intended for cold areas where temperatures drop significantly. This type is prohibited from being imported in Saudi Arabia because it is intended for very cold areas. Climate has effects on the efficiency and performance of tires (tires), including:

  • Effects of high temperatures on tires
  • Increased air pressure inside the tire
  • rapid wear of the tread
  • Increased rolling and rolling resistance
  • Effects of low temperatures on tires
  • Air shrinkage inside the tires
  • Fragility in rubber and cracks
  • Loss of grip on slippery roads
  • Effects of moisture and rain on tires
  • Loss of brake power and anti-slip
  • Moisture increases the wear speed of rubber
تأثير المناخ على اختيار أنواع الإطارات
The effect of climate on the choice of tire types

The most commonly used types of tires in Saudi Arabia

Each region of this world has its environment, economy and geographical nature. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the middle of the world and links modern civilization to Bedouins and desert sands. Because the needs are different, tires are certainly different!

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are many SUVs, especially in areas near the desert and sandy areas, while areas such as the capital Riyadh, small cars are the appropriate means of transportation. This difference is also found in commercial trucks because they pass through many areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is important that trucks are equipped with tires suitable for the environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Here are the most important types of tires in Saudi Arabia and the most popular and used:

  • Small car tires (Passenger Cars)

These tires are designed specifically for daily use in cities and on highways and levels, while showing weakness in driving on sand and mud water. They are reinforced with special structural materials that make the tire withstand high temperatures and achieve remarkable stability in driving at medium and high speeds.

  • SUV tires (4x4)

Due to the great need for strong tires capable of challenging sand, four-wheel drive tires have been able to stand out in the Gulf market in general. These tires are suitable for rough and sandy roads in many regions of the Kingdom. Four-wheel drive tires are reinforced on the sides to provide high protection from rocks and side impacts, as well as extreme pressure and large loads.

  • Tires for trucks and heavy vehicles

Trucks and commercial transport have become one of the most important economic resources in the whole world. Tires for trucks are very different from those in cars in terms of manufacturing and installation. Huge weights cannot be compared to light weights in small cars. Truck tires are durable and have strong and thick sides that provide support to the frame structure. Truck tires are reinforced with many advanced technologies that work in conjunction with suspension and anti-slip systems, which is why they are considered one of the most important modern industries.

  • Seasonal tires

In some areas of northwestern Saudi Arabia, temperatures drop significantly, allowing the use of winter tires, but this is not common in the Kingdom in general due to the hot desert climate, which prevails throughout the year.

What are the global organizations that define standard tire specifications?

Tires (tires) have a significant impact on many industrial, environmental and economic sectors, making the tire industry one of the largest industries in the world. This has caused international organizations to regulate general specifications. Manufactured tires should not be below this level. Among these standards are matters that should be considered in order to protect the environment. These international organizations include: (ISO - International Standards Organization), (UNECE - United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), (ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials) and other international organizations and associations concerned with the standards of manufactured products. Below we review some of the specifications recommended by each of these organizations and associations.

  • International Standards Organization (ISO)

The international standards set by ISO include tire dimensions, durability and summary performance experiences. This organization's certification is an instrument that increases the reliability and safety of products provided by tire manufacturing companies. The most prominent standards related to tires are:

  • Standard tire specifications for cars and light trucks (ISO 4000).
  • Tire noise testing standards (ISO 10844).
  • United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

The Economic Commission is no different from its predecessor in terms of the work it performs, but focuses on the specifications of tires that are compatible with the European climate. The most prominent provisions of the Committee are the following regulations:

  • Regulation No. 54: Tire Standards for Heavy Trucks and Buses.
  • Regulation No. 117: Measurement of rolling resistance, external noise, grip levels on wet roads.

What is the “Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality” SASO?

It is the official government body responsible for preparing and developing standards and quality assurance for products and services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Authority aims to verify the safety of products and enhance their economic, practical and industrial efficiency in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality was established by Royal Decree No. (10/M) in 1329 AH (1972). It is the body authorized to give judgments on various industries, sectors and services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

What are the guidelines of the Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality regarding the selection of tires?

According to the regulations announced by the Standards, Metrology and Quality Authority in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and the Saudi Center for Energy Efficiency in April 2014, which began to be implemented on November 1, 2015. According to this regulation, tires were divided into three main types according to tire specifications:

I. (1C frames): These are the tires for light vehicles (passenger cars and light trucks), which have a weight limit of less than 3.5 tons and have the speed rating code F (h/km 80)

Second - (2C frames): This category is for light and medium vehicles, in which the load capacity factor is less or equal to 121 kg and the speed rating code N is equal to or greater than (140 km/h).

III. (3C frames): These are tires for heavy vehicles with a weight of more than 3.5 tons. The load capacity factor is equal to or greater than 122 kg, and the speed rating code is M or greater than (130 km/h) and is equal if the load capacity factor is less than 121.

Recommendations of the Saudi Organization for Standardization, Metrology and Quality

Speed symbols on tires:

Each tire has a speed rating indicated by the English letter on the side of the tire:

  • Letter S: 180 km/h speed.
  • Letter T: 190 km/h speed.
  • The letter U: speed 200 km/h.
  • Letter H: speed 210 km/h.
  • Letter V: speed 240 km/h.

The Authority's recommendations on the selection of speed ratings:

  • Choose high speed symbols because they indicate the quality of the materials from which the tire is made and the increase in its durability for heat.
  • Ensure compliance with the speeds specified in the traffic regulations. Tires that violate the traffic regulations will subject you to legal liability.

Tire classification by temperature:

Tire categories by temperature:

  • Class A: suitable for hot conditions (better for Saudi Arabia).
  • Class B: less heat tolerant than class A.
  • Class C: for use in low temperatures. (Unauthorized)

Additional guidelines and tips when choosing tires:

  • Choose a recent production date for the tire.
  • Choose the Drag Grade Category (TRACTION): the best is AA or A, followed by B.
  • Consider the tire wear value (TREADWEAR): the higher the value, the better the tire.

How to read tire codes:

Example: If the tire says “H 100 715 75/255”:

  • The letter H stands for the speed symbol.
  • The number 100 indicates the load coefficient.

Achieving quality conditions and Saudi standards!

Darbek Tire Manufacturing Company has worked to provide the specifications of tires that citizens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia need. As a result of this noble goal, tires were designed in accordance with Saudi standards (SASO) and the Gulf conformity badge, which proved the high quality of tires that compete with international companies in terms of strength, durability and shelf life. Because the environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is different, the company has provided Your path Exclusive products that are compatible with the different environments in Saudi Arabia.