What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

For those who’ve checked their tires or had to order new ones at a Dyersburg parts shop, there’s a strange combination of numbers and letters on their sidewalls. When determining the tire number’s meaning, you’re probably asking, “What do tire numbers mean?” 

These codes will indicate the size of type of tire it is, alongside its specific performance purpose. For those who need a new set of tires, Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Jackson) will answer “What do the numbers on tires mean?” and much more. Read on to learn all about this,

Determining Tire Number Meanings

For starters, let’s explain the tire number meaning in a nutshell. What do the numbers on tires mean? A tire’s code will utilize a series of letters and numbers in order to inform you or your Jackson service center, the size, load index, speed rating, and the type of tire your Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Jackson) service center will need to find. For instance, look at this example:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

This seems like complete gibberish or an error code your printer has when it’s glitching. Yet in truth, this code can help correctly identify the type of tire you need.

Decoding “P”

The “P” stands for “P-Metric Tire,” which indicates it’s used for passenger vehicles. If your vehicle tires say “LT,” this stands for “Light Truck.” This means it’s intended for light-wight pickup trucks. If your tire doesn’t have a letter preceding the code, it’s a European style tire or “Euro-Metric” tire, which have different vehicle load capacities. 

Decoding “215”

After the “P” is the number, 215, which stands for the vehicle tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall. In our example, the width of the tire is 215 millimeters.

Decoding “65”

Following the forward slash comes the aspect ratio code, indicated in our example by 65. A tire’s ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width. So in our example, this tire has an aspect ratio where its height is equal to 65% of the tire’s width. The bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewalls will be.

Decoding “R”

“R” indicates the tire’s construction, with “R” showcasing that it’s a radical. 

Decoding “15”

15 indicates the wheel size from one end to the other, which informs us of what tire can fit on this particular wheel. This code will indicate to us that the tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

Once you reach the end of the code, there’s 95H, which is the load index and speed rating for your vehicle’s tire. The load index showcases how much weight your tire can support when it’s been properly inflated, ranging from 75-105 for passenger vehicles (95 in this particular example). 

H in contrast represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tire can safely go based on its existing load capacity. This rating is ranked from A-Z, our example has H as a rating, meaning a maximum speed of 130 MPH.

How to Check Tire Pressure 

Now that we’ve summed up “What do tire numbers mean?”, it’s time to ask “How can I keep these tires working well?” Make sure when you’re driving around Jackson or Humboldt that your tires are properly inflated. Checking your tire is very easy as most modern vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If your vehicle’s tires are over or under inflated, you will receive a notification from the TPMS. In that case, take your vehicle to a gas station to top the air off in your tires or we can do it for you at Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Jackson) when you come in for a service visit.

Turn to Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Jackson) For All Your Maintenance Needs

Whether you need new tires, brakes, or an oil change, turn to Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Jackson) for all your maintenance needs. We also have mopar coupons you can take advantage of. If you’re considering upgrading to a new vehicle, consider our new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Wagoneer inventory. We also have informative posts including on what to look for when selecting a used vehicle for those considering a more budget-friendly option. Come on down to Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (Jackson). From What do tire numbers mean to finding a new vehicle, we’ll take of everything you’ll need. See you shortly!