If you’ve ever checked your tires or if you’ve had to order new ones from your local West Salem tire shop, you’ve more than likely seen the combination of numbers and letters on their sidewalls. What do tire numbers mean? This code indicates the tire’s size and type, as well as its specific performance purpose. If you need new tires and need to determine which ones to get, or if you’re simply wondering what the numbers on tires mean, learn all about it in the following guide from Freedom Automotive.
A tire’s code uses a series of letters and numbers to inform you or your Tomah service center of the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire your vehicle needs for maximum performance. Let’s use the following code as an example to illustrate what tire numbers mean:
Example: P215/65R15 95H
While it may seem like gibberish, each section of code helps identify a tire’s purpose, utility, and specifications. Let’s start with “P” and work our way over to learn what the numbers on tires mean:
The “P” indicates that it is a P-Metric tire, meaning it is used for passenger vehicles, so the “P” stands for “passenger.” If your tires read “LT,” this stands for “light truck,” and the tire is intended for light-weight pickup trucks. If the tire does not have a letter preceding the code, it is a European-style or a Euro-Metric tire with different load capacities.
Following the “P” is “215,” which is the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So, our example tire measures 215 millimeters in width.
After the forward slash comes the aspect ratio code, indicated in our example by “65.” A tire’s aspect ratio is the height of the cross-section of the tire to its width. So, in our example, this tire has an aspect ratio where its height is 65% of its width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewalls will be.
The “R” indicates the tire’s construction, with “R” representing “radial” construction. This means that the tire cords are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel and “radiate” out from the center.
“15” indicates the wheel size you need to fit this tire. This means our example tire can be mounted on a wheel that is 15 inches in diameter.
At the end of the code is “95H,” which is the tire’s load index and speed rating. The load index (“95” in this instance) indicates how much weight the tire can support when properly inflated and ranges from 75-105 for passenger vehicles. “H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tire can safely go based on its load capacity. This rating is ranked by various letters. In our example, a tire with an “H” rating can reach a maximum speed of 130 mph.
You may also see the following speed ratings:
Now that you know what the numbers on tires mean, let’s turn our attention to tire pressure. Regardless of the size of your car’s tires, one of the best ways to keep them in good health on the road in Sparta is to keep them properly inflated. Checking your vehicle’s tire pressure is quick and easy, as nowadays, most new vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If your vehicle’s tires are over- or underinflated, you’ll receive a TPMS notification. You can take your vehicle to a gas station to top off the air in the tires, or we’ll do it for you when you come in for a service visit.
If your car doesn’t have TPMS, you can use a tire pressure gauge to assess your tire pressure. Remove the end cap on a tire’s air valve, and then press down the gauge until the sound of escaping air stops. Take a look at the reading, and compare it to the OEM-recommended tire pressure for your make/model. You can usually find recommended tire pressure on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual.
If you need new tires or brakes in Viroqua or are ready to come in for your regularly scheduled oil change, turn to Freedom Automotive for all of your maintenance and parts needs. Complete this secure schedule service form to make an appointment in Tomah. Complete this form by entering your VIN and basic contact information, so our service technicians can best service your . If you have any questions, contact us online.
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