What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

You have probably noticed the combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of your tires if you have ever checked them or had to order new ones from your neighborhood tire shop. So, you’re probably wondering, “What do tire numbers mean?” This code identifies the tire’s size, type, and specific performance function. Let Susanville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM teach you the tire number meaning so that you can choose the tires that best fit your vehicle as well as your performance needs!

What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?

When you’re trying to understand your tire number meaning, you’ll find that the tire size, load index, speed rating, and type are all represented in your tire’s code. This code uses a combination of letters and numbers to communicate crucial information to you or your Susanville service center. Take this code for example:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

Even though it may appear to be nonsense, each segment of the code corresponds to a piece of data that can be used to identify the kind of tire correctly.

Decoding “P”

P-metric tires, as indicated by the “P,” are those used on passenger vehicles. The letters “LT” on your tires stand for “light truck,” and they are designed for compact pickup trucks. The tire is a European style or Euro-Metric tire, which has a different load capacity if there is no letter before the code.

Decoding “215”

Following the “P” is the “215” number, which stands for tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So, in our example, the width of this tire is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

The aspect ratio code follows the forward slash, denoted in our example by “65.” The ratio of a tire is the height of the cross-section to the width, so in our example, the height of the tire is equal to 65% of the width. The sidewalls will be more significant with the larger aspect ratio.

Decoding “R”

The “R” indicates the tire’s construction, with “R” representing a radial.

Decoding “15”

“15” indicates the wheel size from one end to the other, informing us what tire can fit on this particular wheel. This code tells us that this tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

“95H,” the tire’s load index and speed rating, appears at the end of the code. When a tire is inflated correctly, its load index, which is 95, indicates how much weight it can support when navigating the roads of Chester. For passenger vehicles, this index can range from 75 to 105. The speed rating, denoted by “H,” indicates how fast the tire can be driven safely, given its load capacity.Different letters are used to rank this rating. In our illustration, a tire with a “H” rating can travel at a top speed of 130 mph.

How to Check Tire Pressure

No matter what size your car’s tires are, maintaining proper inflation is one of the best ways to keep them in good condition on Janesville roads. Since most modern vehicles now have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), checking your car’s tire pressure is quick and straightforward. The TPMS will alert you if the tires on your vehicle need to be inflated more or less. To top off the air in your tires, you can bring your car to a gas station or bring it in for service, and we will take care of it for you!

Turn to Susanville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM for All Your Maintenance Needs

If you require tire care, need brake work, or are due for an oil change, you can turn to Susanville Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM near Standish for all your maintenance and parts needs! Set up your next service appointment online today! To ensure that our service technicians can provide the best possible care for your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, please fill out this form with your VIN and primary contact information. Reach out to our team any time!