What Do the Numbers on Tires Mean?

There are so many varieties of tires on the market today, and if you are shopping for new tires around San Antonio, you may be overwhelmed by your options. How do you know which tires are right for your particular make and model? On the sidewall of your tire, you will find a unique code containing numbers and letters. What do the numbers on tires mean? The code indicates the size and type of tire as well as its particular performance purpose. If you need new tires or want to know more about the tire number meaning, Ancira Buick GMC is here to teach you.

Tire Number Meaning

So, what do tire numbers mean, exactly? A tire’s code uses a series of letters and numbers to inform you of its size, load index, speed rating, and type. In the guide below, we have provided an example of a tire code to better explain the significance of each component.

Example: P215/65R15 95H

The code you see above is not just a random grouping of numbers and letters. It will help you find the exact tires for your vehicle so you can hit the open roads of Comfort once again.

Decoding “P”

The “P” stands for “P-metric tire.” This type of tire is used for passenger vehicles. If your tires read “LT,” it means “light truck.” These tires are designed for light-weight pickup trucks. If the tire does not have a letter in front of the code, it is a European-style tire, or Euro-metric tire. Euro-metric tires have different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

The next part of the code is the number “215.” This number indicates the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. So, in the example code provided above, the width of this tire is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

After the forward slash, you will find the aspect ratio code. In our example, it is “65.” A tire’s ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width. Our example tire has an aspect ratio where its height is equal to 65 percent of the tire’s width. Tires with larger sidewalls will have larger aspect ratios.

Decoding “R”

The “R” indicates the tire’s construction. The “R” in the example means it’s a radial tire.

Decoding “15”

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

Decoding “95H”

At the end of the code is “95H.” This is the load index and speed rating for the tire. The load index, or “95” in this example, indicates how much weight the tire can support when it’s properly inflated. For passenger vehicles, the number can range from 75 to 105. In this example, “H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tire can safely go based on its load capacity. A tire with an “H” rating can reach a maximum speed of 130 mph.

Reach Out to Us for More Information 

Now that you have a better understanding of your tire number meaning, are you ready to start shopping for new tires near Kerrville? Make the short drive to Ancira Buick GMC in Boerne, and our team can assist you in locating the correct tires for your vehicle. Contact our service center today for more information.