What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?

If you’ve recently filled your tires with air or bought a new set, you might be wondering, “What do the numbers on tires mean?” The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tires forms to create a code that offers information about the qualities and capabilities of your tires. Understanding these codes can go a long way towards keeping your Omaha vehicle in great shape. Since your tires are your only point of contact with the road, maintaining them is crucial for safe commutes from Columbus to Blair. Learn more about tire care through our tips and tricks below!

What Do Tire Numbers Mean? Tire Number Meanings

What do the numbers on tires mean? The code on your tire is used to provide insight into the size, load index, speed rating, and tire type. Below, we’ll decode an example to help you grasp what tire numbers mean:

What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean? Example: P215/65R15 95H

Tire Number Meaning: Decoding “P”

The first letter in our example code, “P,” stands for “P-Metric tire.” This means that the tire is rated for use on passenger vehicles. If you see “LT” at the start of the code, it means that the tire is intended for use on lightweight pickup trucks. If you don’t see any letter at all, you have a European-style tire that will have different load capacities.

Tire Number Meaning: Decoding “215”

After the letter “P,” the number “215” appears. This indicates that this tire has a width of 215 millimeters.

Tire Number Meaning: Decoding “65”

Right after the forward slash, you’ll see a “65“, which stands for the tire’s aspect ratio code. The ratio of a tire is measured by the height of the tire’s cross-section compared to its width. Our example tire has an aspect ratio where its height is equal to 65% of its width.

Tire Number Meaning: Decoding “R”

Next, you see the letter “R.” This is a simple indicator that this is a radial tire.

Tire Number Meaning: Decoding “15”

The next number on our tire is “15.” This indicates that the tire size is meant to fit on a 15-inch wheel.

Tire Number Meaning: Decoding “95H”

Finally, the tire code includes “95H.” This number and letter combo represent the load index and speed rating for this tire. The load index of “95” shows the weight that this tire can hold when properly inflated. The load index for passenger vehicles ranges from 75 to 105. Next, the “H” indicates the speed rating. Speed ratings range from A-Z, so our example of “H” means this tire is rated for a maximum of 130 mph.

Turn to Sid Dillon Chevrolet Fremont for Tire Care

Now that you can answer the question, “What do the numbers on tires mean?”, you’re equipped to care for your vehicle for the long haul. Whether you want to discover more about tire number meanings or want to learn how to jump-start a car, we have the resources you need! If you decide you’re due for new tires, visit us in Fremont for high-quality replacement tires!

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