"What Do all Those Numbers On My Tire Mean?"

 

When you call for a price on new tires, chances are the first thing the person you get on the phone
will ask you, "What size tires do you have?"

This question can be intimidating if you are not familiar with tires. Below is an explanation of
what some of the information on your tire's sidewall means:



Example tire size:  P195/65R15


 The "P" means it' s a passenger
car tire

The "195" is the width of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.The larger the number, the wider the tire is.

The "65" is the tire's ratio of height to width. Numbers lower than 70 would have a shorter sidewall for better steering and handling.

"R" simply means it's a radial tire, which has been the standard construction for
the last 20 years.

The "15" is the wheel (rim)
diameter in inches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That takes care of the tire size, but what are those numbers and letters after that?


 After the tire size or somewhere on the tire's sidewall you'll see something like this:  91T

The "91" is the tire's load index, which indicates how much weight the tire can support.

The "T" indicates the tire's performance rating. This is what the manufacturer of the car says the car should have for optimum performance. The ratings range from 99mph to 186mph (some people refer to this as the "speed rating".  It is possible that this set of numbers/letters would not be on your tire, as it is not required by law.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

NOTE:  Tires have a lot of other information on them, like maximum tire pressure, the traction, treadwear, and temperature rates, U.S. D.O.T ID number,
 ply rating, etc., but to keep it simple, the above only lists the info
 you'll need when you call us for a tire price.

Information compiled from a brochure by the
 Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)  www.rma.org 

 

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Hervey's Tire Company  ~  22 Union Street Rochester NH 03867  ~  (603) 332-5420


 Web Site by Tanya Hervey

 

 

 

 

 



Light Truck Tires are slightly different:

Example tire size:  LT245/75R16

The "LT" means it's a light truck tire, and  the rest of the info is the same as for passenger car tires

Somewhere on the sidewall there should be a "Load Range" with a letter.  Ex:  Load Range E.
The load range indicates the tire's load carrying capabilities and maximum inflation.