What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you’ve added air to your tires or done a visual inspection, chances are you’ve noticed a seemingly strange combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall. What do tire numbers mean? The combination of numbers and letters on your tires forms a code to offer information on the capabilities of the tire. The tire number meaning gives technicians the information they need about the size, type, speed rating, and more about a tire. If you’re asking, “What do the numbers on tires mean?”, our tips below will help you learn more about your car!

What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean? Tire Number Meanings

So, what do tire numbers mean? Below, you will find a breakdown that covers what each section of the code on your tire means. For our example, review the tire code here:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

While this combination of numbers and letters looks like gibberish to the untrained eye, this series provides vital information about your tire. Decode the tire number meaning with us below!

Decoding “P”

The “P” at the beginning of this code stands for “P-Metric tire.” What does this mean? It indicates that the tire is used for passenger vehicles. If the code said “LT” instead, it would indicate a tire that’s meant to be used for lightweight pickups. If you don’t see any letter to start the code, you likely have a European-style tire which will have different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

After the first letter, you see the number “215.” Here, this indicates that the width of this tire is 215 millimeters!

Decoding “65”

The first natural break in our code comes in the form of a slash. After the slash, you find the aspect ratio code, which is “65″ in our example. A tire’s ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section compared to the width. So, for our tire example, it has an aspect ratio where its height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. A larger aspect ratio indicates larger sidewalls.

Decoding “R”

Next, you find the code for the tire’s construction. Here, the “R” shows that this is a radial tire.

Decoding “15”

After the “R,” you see the number “15.” This number tells us the size of the wheel from one end to the other to inform us what tires can fit the wheel. In our example, our tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

Finally, we see “95H” at the back end of the tire. What does this letter-number combination mean? This explains the load index and speed rating for the tire. In this example, the load index of “95” represents the amount of weight this tire can support when properly inflated. The “H” tells us about the speed rating of the tire. Speed ratings range from A to Z, with an “H” rated tire having a capacity of 130 mph for your Omaha travels.

Turn to Sid Dillon Buick GMC Fremont for All Your Maintenance Needs

Now that you can answer the question, “What do the numbers on tires mean?”, you’re ready to service your vehicle like a professional! Sid Dillon Buick GMC Fremont is your go-to source for all things tire care! We can teach you about your TPMS or why your vehicle makes strange noises when you turn to keep your commute from Lincoln to Columbus smooth! Visit us in Fremont whenever you need tire care!