What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you’ve ever had to check your tires or if you are in the process of ordering new ones from your local Mineral Wells parts shop, you have probably noticed the combination of numbers and letters on the sidewall of them. So, you may be curious, “what do the numbers on tires mean?” The code indicates the size and type of tire on your vehicle and its particular performance purpose. If you’re in need of new tires and need help determining which ones to get, or you are wondering what the numbers on tires mean, let Bayer Chevrolet teach you.

What is the Tire Number Meaning?

Tire codes utilize a series of letters and numbers in order to give you the exact details for your Breckenridge service center the size, load index, speed rating, and type of tire your vehicle needs for maximum performance. Take this example code:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

Each section of this code represents a measurement or rating that can help you understand how this tire fits on your vehicle.

Decoding “P”

The “P” stands for “P-Metric tire,” which is used for passenger vehicles. If the tires read “LT,” that means “light truck,” and the tire is intended for lightweight pickup trucks. If the tire does not have a letter preceding the code, then it is a European-style tire or Euro-Metric tire and will have different load capacities.

Decoding “215”

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

Decoding “65”

After the forward slash comes the aspect ratio code, indicated as the “65.” A tire’s ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width, so that means 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”

The “R” indicates the tire’s construction, with “R” representing that it’s a radial.

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, in this case, the tire is meant for a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

At the end of the code is “95H,” which is the load index and speed rating, this indicates how much weight the tire can support when it’s properly inflated, and that can range 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 from A-Z, and with our example, a tire with an “H” rating can reach a maximum speed of 130 mph.

Visit Bayer Chevrolet for Your Chevrolet Tire Maintenance

When it’s time for your regular schedule maintenance or your bigger purchases like tires or brakes, you can rely on the team at Bayer Chevrolet for each part and the careful care of our experts! Schedule your appointment online today, then come by for a visit in Breckenridge when you are ready. Complete this form by entering your VIN and basic contact information, so our service technicians can best service your Chevrolet. If you have any questions, contact us online.