What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you take a look at the side of your tires, you’ll notice a string of letters and numbers printed into the surface of the rubber. What do the numbers on tires mean? Tire number meaning is complex, and actually every character represents something distinct. From tire size to tire construction, you can learn quite a bit about your set from this code. Plus, it can help you identify the traits that you need for your next set of tires. Dive deeper into tire number meaning below, and be sure to visit Spitzer Motors of Mansfield CDJR in Ontario for more service tips and tricks.

Transating Tire Number Meaning

So, what do tire numbers mean on a heavy-duty truck? What do tire number mean on a midsize sedan? Tire numbers are standardized across the board, so no matter what vehicle you drive, you can use this information.

Let’s go over an example: P215/65R15 95H.

Decoding “P”

This indicates the type of vehicle that can use the tire. In this case, P stands for “P-Metric” or passenger vehicle. You might also see LT for light truck or no letter at all for a European-style tire.

Decoding “215”

This indicates the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. This tire has a width of 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

This is known as the “aspect ratio”, or the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width. This tire’s height is equal to 65% of its width. Bigger aspect ratios translate into bigger sidewalls.

Decoding “R”

This indicates the tire’s construction design. The R stands for radial in this instance.

Decoding “15”

This indicates the wheel size. In this example, the tire will fit properly on a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

This indicates both the load index and the speed rating. The load index tells how much weight the tire can handle, and it is expressed as a number between 75-105 for passenger vehicles. The speed rating tells how fast the tire is capable of going, and it is expressed from A to Z.

How to Check Tire Pressure

Regardless of your tire type, it’s important to keep your tires well-maintained on the Shelby and Ashland roads. One component of at-home maintenance is checking your air pressure. Many new vehicles at Spitzer Motors of Mansfield CDJR come equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to help you keep tabs on each tire. If you don’t have a TPMS, you can pick up a manual air pressure gauge at our parts department. We’d be happy to give you a quick lesson on how to use it like a pro.

Get Quality Service at Spitzer Motors of Mansfield CDJR

Whether you need a new set of tires or just a quick maintenance service, visit Spitzer Motors of Mansfield CDJR in Ontario to keep your car in great shape. We’d be happy to help you with all of your automotive needs in the Galion area, so please contact us with any questions or schedule your service today!